Manchester United let go of their fantastic manager David Moyes this week, who I thought was doing a terrific job there. Manchester United are in 7th AND out of contention for Champions League football?! Couldn’t get any better. However, United could be a dangerous threat next year because let’s face it, whoever they bring in will be thrown a pile of money to go out and spend and depending on who they can bring in, we’ll have to be weary. Arseblog released a great piece about Arsenal’s transfer market needs this week since there wasn’t much new going on.
On to our Gunners…
With 3 Premier League games left for Arsenal, the team is finally looking healthy just in time for this important stretch. The race for 4th is going to come down to the wire unless Everton can slip up against Southampton this weekend. Everton remain 1 point behind Arsenal for the coveted 4th place spot but Arsenal seem to be clicking at the right time, especially with the returns of Ozil and Ramsey.
Our game last weekend against Hull was exactly what Arsenal needed, a 3-0 win where our goalkeeper and defense kept a clean sheet and our midfield and forwards got on the scoring sheet. Ramsey, who started for the first time since returning from injury, was involved in all 3 goals, scoring the first and assisting the next two. Lukas Podolski has now scored 4 goals in his last two Premier League games and has been in top form as of late. Ozil got back in the squad as well and put in a well-rounded 60-65 minutes of play, helping conjure up Arsenal’s first goal. Arsene Wenger has ruled out Kieran Gibbs and Diaby for the game against Newcastle and said that Vermaelen could be back as well. Every other player should be available on Monday at the Emirates.
Newcastle United are sitting in 9th place with 46 points and are mathematically safe from being relegated but too far out to qualify for any European football. They have lost their last five Premier League games, allowing 14 goals and scoring only 1. European football could’ve been in their sights if they didn’t drop these points. Newcastle have struggled to get on the scoring sheet as of late and it could be dangerous as Arsenal have scored 6 goals in their last two games.
This is a game where Arsenal should gain the necessary points to retain 4th place and let’s hope, as Arsenal fans, that Everton can slip up and drop points against a dangerous Southampton squad.