Arsenal: A late rise?

(Baonghean.vn) - Defeating rival Tottenham in the North London derby helped coach Wenger and his team revive their dream of winning the Premier League. But perhaps now, that victory is too late.

If you ask Arsenal fans “which team do you hate the most?”, almost 100% of them will probably answer their neighbor Tottenham. Therefore, there is nothing more wonderful for the Gooners (nickname of Arsenal fans) than witnessing their team defeat the “roosters”.

The victory that Sanchez and his teammates just won against Tottenham in round 12 not only brought boundless joy to home fans, but also helped Arsenal rekindle hope in the championship competition with Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool.

Two quick goals from Mustafi and Sanchez in the first half against Tottenham helped Wenger and his team earn three important points. However, with 22 points after 12 rounds, Arsenal still remains in 6th place on the rankings, 12 points behind the leading team Man City.

Apart from the progress in terms of points, the Emirates team still cannot shorten the gap with the teams above (except Tottenham). That means, Arsenal's chance in the race to the Premier League 2017/2018 championship is not brighter.

Arsenal players celebrate after Mustafi's goal. Photo: Internet

Arsenal's victory was nothing more than a late rise. If they had not dropped points in defeats to Stoke City (0 - 1), Watford (1 - 2), Liverpool (0 - 4) and Man City (1 - 3), the gap to the top spot would not have been so great (12 points).

Although the tournament has only passed nearly 1/3 of the way, the opportunity to end the Premier League title drought that has lasted for more than a decade has become distant for coach Wenger and his students. Witnessing Arsenal's performance against Tottenham, fans of this team could not help but regret the team's poor matches at the beginning of the season.

The duo Sanchez - Ozil are preparing to leave Emirates Stadium. Photo: Internet

Seeing the Ozil - Sanchez duo dominate the Emirates Stadium against the white Tottenham, the Gooners have even more reason to fear that this super pair will leave Arsenal in the near future. Once Arsenal's chance of winning the title gradually decreases, the ability for coach Wenger to successfully convince Sanchez - Ozil to extend the contract will also become much more difficult.

If the Emirates team had not been left too far behind by Man City and Man Utd at this time, Ozil and Sanchez would still have had the motivation to contribute more to Arsenal. Unfortunately, the "gunners" could not do that.

Therefore, Arsenal's victory over rival Tottenham only made fans happy for a moment, because coach Wenger and his team rose too late./.

Thanh Hung