The upward arc at Arsenal is clear for all to see. Of course, if they do not win their first title since 2003-04 they must regard it as a disappointment and an opportunity missed, but Arteta and his players deserve great credit for how they have performed. If anything, this was an Arsenal showing fuelled by a turbocharge of anger after that beating, such was the pace and intensity that overpowered Chelsea as they went into a 3-0 lead by half-time.Ĭhelsea were bullied, beaten, overrun and thoroughly dismantled in that period, Lampard's management now suffering severe reputational damage at the hands of players who are so much better than this but whose lack of effort and competitive edge hints at something rotten at the heart of this dysfunctional, money-squandering club.Īrsenal were back to the team who have provided such rich entertainment this season, the team that has made a title race of it by staying ahead of City for so long. They have been undone by individual errors and lapses of concentration rather than a collective meltdown under pressure.Īrsenal undoubtedly caved in at Manchester City last time out, losing 4-1, but they were hit by a lightning bolt of a display from a world-class team that may well have beaten anyone on a magical night at Etihad Stadium. It is too simplistic to attach the label of chokers to an Arsenal side who have been outstanding this season. The Emirates was alive before kick-off and Arsenal ripped into Chelsea in a thunderous atmosphere without a hint of anxiety or frustration, helped by a complete fiasco of a performance from opponents who have lost six out of six under interim manager Frank Lampard. It is an emotion clearly shared by their supporters despite that recent slump of four games without a win. City still have two games in hand and are on one of their relentless marches but Arsenal, especially in the first half, delivered a timely reminder that they are still in the hunt.
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