There are four games of this season left to play. Stuttering Arsenal would perhaps want the season to end this week. Stoke City will be their opponents.
A slightly emotional Robin Van Persie lifted the PFA Player of the Year Award last week. Van Persie has guided Arsenal to third spot after an unimaginably horrible start to the season. Following eight straight victories, Arsenal started to stumble again. Defeats against QPR and Wigan were followed by a draw against Chelsea.
Chelsea fielded a side without most of their regulars ahead of a Champions League semi-final showdown against Barcelona against Arsenal. Arsenal created chances but failed to take them. Robin Van Persie did not have the best of days. More importantly, they lost Theo Walcott to injury. Along with Mikel Arteta’s absence, this might really hurt Arsenal.
Abou Diaby returned to action last week for Arsenal and might be required this week. Stoke City sits fourteenth in the league. Their previous match saw them go down to a Newcastle side challenging for the final Champions League spot. Newcastle is now right behind Arsenal.
Newcastle has played one game less than Arsenal. If Newcastle does win their game in hand, they will be level with Arsenal on points and effectively fighting for third. All the three teams tied for third have played one game less than the Gunners. Thus, if Arsenal’s poor form continues, there is every chance that they might be doomed to Europa League football next season.
The meeting in the Emirates this season ended 3-1 in favour of Arsenal. Gervinho’s opener was cancelled by Peter Crouch. Two late goals from Robin Van Persie ensured Arsenal victory. This fixture ended 3-1 in Stoke’s favour last season. Kenwyne Jones and Jermain Pennant scored in the first half. A goal from Van Persie with less than ten minutes to go gave Arsenal hope.
However, Arsenal’s hopes were short-lived; just a minute later Jonathan Walters scored at the other end to secure a famous win for Stoke. The last three fixtures for Arsenal at Stoke have seen two defeats and just one win for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger feels his side is well equipped for the upcoming challenges in the league:
“I believe that Stoke is always a difficult opponent for us and everybody. Every big team who goes to Stoke knows they get a game. From our side we are in a position where we want to win our remaining games. That is the only chance to master our future. We have our future in our own hands but only if we win the three games.”
So, who will win this fixture? Arsenal’s recent poor displays have left the door ajar for Newcastle. Arsenal could be held to a draw in this one.
Prediction: Stoke 1-1 Arsenal
Chelsea fielded a side without most of their regulars ahead of a Champions League semi-final showdown against Barcelona against Arsenal. Arsenal created chances but failed to take them. Robin Van Persie did not have the best of days. More importantly, they lost Theo Walcott to injury. Along with Mikel Arteta’s absence, this might really hurt Arsenal.
Abou Diaby returned to action last week for Arsenal and might be required this week. Stoke City sits fourteenth in the league. Their previous match saw them go down to a Newcastle side challenging for the final Champions League spot. Newcastle is now right behind Arsenal.
Newcastle has played one game less than Arsenal. If Newcastle does win their game in hand, they will be level with Arsenal on points and effectively fighting for third. All the three teams tied for third have played one game less than the Gunners. Thus, if Arsenal’s poor form continues, there is every chance that they might be doomed to Europa League football next season.
The meeting in the Emirates this season ended 3-1 in favour of Arsenal. Gervinho’s opener was cancelled by Peter Crouch. Two late goals from Robin Van Persie ensured Arsenal victory. This fixture ended 3-1 in Stoke’s favour last season. Kenwyne Jones and Jermain Pennant scored in the first half. A goal from Van Persie with less than ten minutes to go gave Arsenal hope.
However, Arsenal’s hopes were short-lived; just a minute later Jonathan Walters scored at the other end to secure a famous win for Stoke. The last three fixtures for Arsenal at Stoke have seen two defeats and just one win for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger feels his side is well equipped for the upcoming challenges in the league:
“I believe that Stoke is always a difficult opponent for us and everybody. Every big team who goes to Stoke knows they get a game. From our side we are in a position where we want to win our remaining games. That is the only chance to master our future. We have our future in our own hands but only if we win the three games.”
So, who will win this fixture? Arsenal’s recent poor displays have left the door ajar for Newcastle. Arsenal could be held to a draw in this one.
Prediction: Stoke 1-1 Arsenal
