It would not be difficult for Arsenal fans to react with a firm grip on their half glass empty of whatever beverage was used to lighten the sweat produced by the Gunners’ recent trip to Anfield. It was in two words, utter madness. From beginning to end, there was rarely a moment in which you could sit back and feel as if you could adequately summarise what was happening. Arsenal started in a manner that suggested they were going to cruise to victory and, in the process, make a statement to the footballing world. However, by the time the closing quarter of an hour came around, it was all hands on deck to hold on to a valuable three points. In the end, this proved impossible. Yes, in the light of day, a 2-2 draw feels fair, but there are also so many instances of frustration.
While some may have been surprised to see Leandro Trossard drop to the bench based on his recent form, it was Arsenal’s strongest possible starting eleven considering the injury to William Saliba. This game was, if ever there was one, the perfect advertisement for the English Premier League. At 2-0 up with only 27 minutes on the clock, a chorus of “Now You’re Gonna Believe Us, We’re Gonna Win the League…” rang out from the away end. In hindsight, the Arsenal faithful indulged themselves a little to early with a chant so antagonising to the army of Liverpool fans quite literally surrounding them.
This was a football game, at least in the eyes of Arsenal fans, that was full of contradictions. Early domination and surviving late. A draw away at Anfield to put Arsenal six points clear at the top that feels as if we are punching below our weight. A manager, in the form of Mikel Arteta, who for all intensive purposes has been the best in the league, being questioned over his choice and timing of substitutions.
This aforementioned advertisement for the English Premier League is entangled in all of this clashes and contradictions. It is why so many fans look to Sportsbet.io premier league betting in order to keep up to date with all of the latest fixtures and odds. For many, this showed Arsenal can go the distance, after all they did go to Anfield and secure a point. For others, this same result puts Manchester City as the new favourites for the league.
Rob Holding can be praised for his display despite the fact he gave away a penalty, which was ultimately missed by Mohammad Salah. Granit Xhaka, who has been completely transformed both in terms of performances and discipline this season, was accused by many of waking the Anfield crowd up after getting involved in a needless scuffle with Trent Alexander- Arnold. So, just what should Arsenal fans be feeling in this moment?
For us, it is simple, pure joy. For far too many years, the Emirates Stadium felt as if a low-hanging grey cloud had been installed directly above it. Naturally, an air of optimism would find its way through at the beginning of each campaign, but many felt the season was over by the turn of the year. It became a case of simply waiting for the campaign to end before any sense of squeaky bum time could even be heard.
This, undefinable mix of fear, hope, anxiety and excitement is what football is all about. Perhaps some Arsenal fans have forgotten that these are the emotions that this time of the year is supposed to awaken within us. Many will, and have already suggested that if Arsenal do not win the title that they have failed.
Let us rest assured that while it may very well feel like this, if Manchester City do ultimately pip the Gunners’ at the post, this is a title challenge that has finally made the Emirates Stadium feel like home. The soul of the club, which many felt had been left behind at Highbury, is now back for all to see. Embrace the atmosphere, embrace the feeling that everything is possible, embrace the fear that inevitably surrounds all of this. Why, you ask? Because Arsenal, after long last, are back.
