Although we still have to chase and hope that Man City stumbles, the victory over Man United at Old Trafford in round 37 of the Premier League is truly a new milestone for Arsenal .
In Premier League history, every time Arsenal wins at Old Trafford, that result almost always leads to a good season for the “Gunners”. Before the match, the last time The Gunners had 3 full points at Old Trafford was November 1, 2020 (nearly 4 years ago). Going further than that match, going back in time to September 17, 2006 was the next time Arsenal won at Man United’s home field.
18 years with only 3 wins on the opponent’s field in the Premier League era. Therefore, although the latest defeat of MU is not too satisfying, it means a lot to Arsenal.
“That’s not progress, that’s history” – Mikel Arteta replied when asked about the result of the Super Sunday match. That was Arsenal’s 27th victory in the Premier League this season, more than the season they won the championship with an unbeaten record 20 years ago.
For Arteta, this season’s results are something they have no right to decide, but it can be affirmed that at the present time, Arsenal is fair with Man City. They competed until round 38 and The Gunners did not even lose (1 win, 1 draw) in 2 direct confrontations with the defending champions this season.
Since the 1998-1999 season, Arsenal has had the opportunity to experience the championship racing atmosphere on the final day of the season. That year, Man United came from behind to beat Tottenham 2-1 in the final round, thereby defeating Arsenal at the last minute in the silver cup race. This season, maybe the remaining Manchester team will bring sadness to the Gooners in the final round, but that sadness may not be as painful as last season. Because now, Mikel Arteta’s army is much more mature and stronger.
Last season, Arsenal was 8 points ahead of Man City but lost the trophy to their opponents. This season, the image of the “Gunners” in the acceleration and finishing phase is better than they were a year ago. Martin Odegaard and his teammates have won 15/17 recent matches (46/51 maximum points). With the Big Six group, Arsenal won 22/30 maximum points and was undefeated.
This weekend, if they win against Everton at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal will end the season with 89 points, the second best score in their Premier League history. Another historical milestone is waiting for Arteta and his students to collapse.
Before entering the finish line, Arsenal was once doubted when they had to play against a series of fierce opponents such as Manchester City, Brighton, Wolverhampton, Tottenham and Manchester United. However, Declan Rice and his teammates were undefeated. They won everything, except the point split at Etihad Stadium against defending champion Man City.
Man City is still very good at having the right to self-determination even though this season they are not as good as last season. Arsenal still needs Man City to stumble, but that seems impossible because there is only one round left in the tournament while The Citizens’ two opponents are both teams that are losing form.
Arsenal fans chanted: “Come on, Spurs!” after they left Old Trafford with 3 points. It’s a pretty blind belief at the moment, but when all the players have worked hard to play well until round 37, the Gooners have the right to dream of everything and don’t mind being teased.