Incentive: Ten in a row and Top of the table
Add comment October 7th, 2007
Ten wins on the spin? That’d be some achievement. But when Arsenal face Sunderland tomorrow, that’s the prize on the table, and bar any disastrous luck in our thirteenth game of the season, it ought to be entirely achievable.
A win would have wider repercussions than a highly quotable statististic. It would take us back to the top of the table, and two points clear of Manchester United with a game in hand. I’m not in an any way being pessimistic, but we need to make sure our lead is as strong as possible before the crunch double-header with Liverpool and United. If we can be five or so points clear, draws in those games suddenly become good results.
I doubt there’ll be a thrashing on the menu at lunchtime. Sunderland are a much better side than Derby, who don’t possess either a defender as capable as Nyron Nosworthy, a striker with the pace and power of Kenwyne Jones, or a £9m goalkeeper like Craig Gordon. In spite of that, I suspect that they will struggle to withstand the penetrative passing of Fabregas and the movement of the likes of Adebayor. Anything less than a win would have to be considered points dropped and a return to old habits. It’s important we keep our momentum before the squad disappear to get injured whilst representing their countries.
Speaking of which, I fully expect the Sunderland fans will launch a moronic chant of “En-ger-land” at our foreign legion, as has become customary for smaller clubs. However, before they do, I advise any reading to browse through the comments of Arsene Wenger on Sepp Fatter’s plan to restrict clubs to just five foreign players:
“For me this [ruling] will protect the bad players, or those who are not good enough.”
Absolutely. And check out the picture Arsenal.com used to accompany that quote. Surprisingly amusing.
Right, off to our insanely early game now. Come On You Reds.
ps. It’s been quite a slow week on the blog, due to some big changes in my professional life. Next week things should be up to speed once more. Cheers for your patience.
pps. RIP Gooner Dainton Connell.Â
