adminLONDON. – Arsenal’s home defeat by Premier League champions and title rivals Manchester City that knocked them off the top of the table carried all the hallmarks of a defining moment in their season.
If it was, the Gunners’ response since then has been truly outstanding and the 4-0 thrashing of hopeless Everton at the Emirates on Wednesday night delivered thrilling confirmation that Arsenal are in this title race to stay.
Arsenal’s third successive win since the 3-1 defeat by City gives clarity to the task in front of them as they are now five points clear with 13 games remaining, the same as Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s side had been passing tests all season, showing a new steel and resilience to answer lingering questions about their character, but the loss to City at Emirates Stadium on 15 February felt different.
Arsenal had been at full tilt to hit top spot while City had been muddling along well short of their best – yet Pep Guardiola’s men raised their game to put the Gunners away and deliver what felt like a hefty psychological blow.
Plenty of observers, including this one, wondered if this would be the day Arsenal might crack under the pressure exerted by City, who have been successful over this course and distance so many times.
The answers have been provided emphatically after three potentially tough tests away to Aston Villa and Leicester City as well as at home Everton.
Villa were beaten because Arsenal simply refused to accept one point, sealing three in added time for a 4-2 win.
The Foxes were overcome with the efficiency of Arsenal sides of old with a 1-0 victory.
Everton were dismantled 4-0 with the fluency that has marked out their splendid season.
Three games. Three wins. Arsenal’s position of authority at the Premier League summit was restored.
There was further good news for Arsenal when Thomas Partey came on for the second half to exert his influence in midfield, while the strength of Arteta’s squad was emphasised by the introduction of Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira as substitutes.
The sight of Gabriel Jesus back on the grass this week after knee surgery only increases the feel-good factor swirling around the club. – BBC Sport.
Online Reporter