Three good reasons why Arsenal have a realistic chance of winning the title

By 1970’s Gooner

We have been written off twice already this season.

No one gave us a chance after we got thumped by Chelsea in that horrific defeat at the Emirates earlier in the season. But right after that Chelsea dropped points and we got back into it again with an unbeaten run.

Until we met with the big two again, in quick succession. And got thumped again…

But right after that both Chelsea and Manchester United lose their games and we are back in contention…once again.

So can we sustain the challenge on this occasion?

I believe we can and there are three good reasons why.

1. The other contenders will drop points playing each other

For a start we will not be seeing the sight of the top two again this season. In fact we will also not be seeing the sight of Liverpool and Aston Villa again.

Chelsea and Manchester United face each other at Old Trafford and both will play against Liverpool (Man Utd at home and Chelsea away at Anfield). A Liverpool with a fit Torres in the line up fighting for that important fourth place.

If we play our cards right we could be within touching distance before you can say Wayne Roonie.

2. Arsenal’s goals come from a variety of players unlike the others

Speaking of Wayne Roonie brings us to injuries and the fact that apart from Arsenal only Liverpool have been unlucky to loose their top striker for a long period.

If by chance Wayne Roonie or Didier Drogba got injured then Manchester United and Chelsea will find it difficult.

Manchester United are too dependent on Roonie who has been in fantastic form ever since Ronaldo freed the space for him to grow into.

And if he got injured I don’t think Berbatov could be as prolific.

And although Chelsea got by when Drogba was away for the Africa Nations Cup their fixtures coming up are not as easy as the ones when he was absent.

So in the absence of Robin van Persie, Arsenal have managed to find the goals. Will Manchester United and Chelsea do the same if they were faced with similar circumstances?

I doubt it.

3. Injured players are back and getting fitter

Gael Clichy, Abu Diaby, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Eduardo, Nicklas Bendtner.

They were all out for some time and all need the time to get back to top fitness levels. This comes with games really, so the team has to carry them in a way.

Clichy was very rusty until very recently when he began to find some form. He will get better. The same for Walcott who is now getting games behind him and will come good later in the season.

Nasri too who is now becoming more influential during games. Diaby the same.

And there is Bendtner who really needs a few more games under his belt.

He will, I believe, become very influential as the season grows.

And there is Robin van Persie and Gibbs to come back of course.

But when you look at the other two, who have they got to come back?

Chelsea have Essien, Bosingwa and Joe Cole who will get fitter. But really it is Essien that will add something to the team. But like van Persie he is not due back yet. And Ashley Cole is out for the season.

Manchester United can look forward to Vidic and Ferdinand who will undoubtedly add a lot to the team’s defensive quality, when they get match fit.

Manchester United certainly have room for improvement over Chelsea but the greatest room for improvement is undoubtedly Arsenal’s.

And so are the chances of getting to the top.