Emerging set piece specialists
THIS season has seen a revolution of sorts for league leaders Arsenal (I’ve waited eight years to call them that) as the team finally live up to their potential. Yes, I’m fully aware that we are only five games into the season and they are top of the table only because of a one-goal difference with Tottenham.
However, the optimism at Arsenal is valid: Finally, the Gunners look like they are capable of getting something for their trophy cabinet at the Emirates.
I won’t bore you with how their winning streak is due to Mesut Ozil’s instant hook-up with his new North London team-mates, especially “scoreswhen-he-wants” Aaron Ramsey. But really, the German playmaker’s arrival has given the Gunners not only extra swagger to their game, but also new ammunition to their attack – set pieces.
Who would have thought? What used to be their main downfall is now their game changer – against Stoke City last week Arsenal scored all three goals from set pieces, the most in a game since May 2010. Arsenal – the new set piece specialists? Go figure!
The game against Stoke also showed another side of Arsenal – a willingness to win ugly – something that can take them to the final lap. When they were fading in the second half, the Gunners simply parked the bus.
Against Swansea this weekend, Arsenal will be confident in bagging another three points and extend their good away record (eight straight away wins).
Their main barrier to glory will be Swansea’s Spanish striker Michu (whom Arsene Wenger should have pursued instead of biter Luis Suarez!) who is determined to repeat his December feat against Arsenal when he scored twice to gift Swansea a 2-0 win.
Michu has been in amazing form this season, having scored one of the two fastest EPL goals after 80 seconds against Crystal Palace last week.
His work rate and creativity make him a difficult opponent to stop; combined with his new partner Wilfried Bony, he is almost untouchable. The Arsenal back four will have their work cut out trying to stop the duo from scoring.
Thebiggest worryfor Arsenal tonight, however, is Swansea’s midweek loss against Birmingham in the League Cup. They will want to make amends for their failure to defend their Cup, so the Gunners better watch out. Wounded tiger or not, Swansea cannot compete with Arsenal’s hot attack force. Arsenal to win 3-1.