Arsenal - 'Boost' after the North London derby?

(Baonghean.vn) - At White Hart Lane, Arsenal players had to accept a 'convincing' defeat against their hated neighbors, Tottenham. That defeat caused coach Wenger and his team to lose many things, but for Gunners fans, they should feel happier than sad.

Entering this season, Arsenal is considered one of the strongest candidates for the Premier League title. In addition to the stars who have already established their names such as Ozil, Sanchez, Petr Cech, Ramsey, Walcott, Koscielny... Coach Wenger also spent about 90 million pounds to bring in Xhaka, Mustafi, Perez, adding strength to all three lines of the team. Obviously, in all aspects, Arsenal has a much better quality squad than the 2015/2016 season.

The early part of the season reflected that, with the Gunners playing quite well. Except for the 3-4 loss to Liverpool on the opening day at the Emirates Stadium, the rest of the Arsenal players proved their position as a top candidate. The 3-0 victory in the London derby against Chelsea was the most outstanding and memorable performance of coach Wenger and his team to this point. Everything went smoothly for Arsenal.

Before December began, Wenger and his team were still competing fiercely with Chelsea, MC, Liverpool on the rankings. In the Champions League arena, Arsenal won the number 1 position in the group. Stars such as Sanchez, Ozil and new player Mustafi all affirmed their important roles in the squad.

Arsenal players show their disappointment after their team conceded a goal in the North London derby. Photo: Internet.

Things have gone from bad to worse for the Emirates team since Christmas. Although Arsenal are still in the top four, the gap between them and leaders Chelsea has widened with each round. Centre-back Mustafi is injured, Ozil and Walcott have lost form, and the reserves have failed to show much when they have stepped on the pitch.

As a result, in early March 2017, coach Wenger and his team only had a chance to win the FA Cup, as they could not catch up with Chelsea in the Premier League, and were eliminated early from the English League Cup.

More painfully, in the Champions League, Arsenal had to leave the game in the knockout round by Bayern Munich (the 7th consecutive time Arsenal was eliminated in the knockout round).

Former player Roy Keane's statement was like rubbing salt into the wounds of Arsenal fans: "They played very badly. I'm not surprised by that. What do you expect from Arsenal? Do you hope they go to Bayern Munich and get a good result?

We have talked too much about the club's lack of leadership and the lack of desire to win. However, I think the squad is not good enough to compete at this level. Arsenal only have two good players, the rest are mediocre."

Witnessing the poor performance of their beloved team, Arsenal fans have openly criticized coach Wenger. Not only were there boos and banners calling for the French strategist to leave appearing throughout the stands during Arsenal matches, but a group of fans even hired a plane to drag a banner with the content of wanting the club's leadership to fire coach Wenger.

Arsenal's 0-2 defeat to Tottenham will force manager Wenger to carry out a revolution at Emirates Stadium next season. Photo: Internet.

Contrary to the attitude of the majority of the home team's fans, the board of directors and coach Wenger remain 'calm as a cucumber'. A few weeks ago, the strategist born in 1949 had his contract extended by 2 more years by the club's leaders.

Thus, the upper echelons of the London team will not change next season. At this time, the Gooners (nickname of Arsenal fans) have to wait for changes in coach Wenger. They hope that after a disastrous season, the French strategist will abandon his conservatism and stinginess to bring to the Emirates stadium famous stars like what Chelsea, MU, MC... have done and are doing.

Therefore, the defeat in the North London derby against Tottenham may prevent Arsenal from participating in the Champions League next season, but will be the premise for this team to carry out a strong 'revolution'.

Since the 1994/1995 season, Arsenal have been behind rivals Tottenham in the Premier League. This year, Arsenal players and fans will not be able to parade to mock and ridicule rivals Tottenham on 'St Totteringham's Day'. However, not many 'gunners' fans feel sad, because they have days to look forward to, starting after the North London derby. Will coach Wenger 'wake up' after Tottenham's 'slap'?

Thanh Hung