English Premier League - Preview: Birmingham City vs Arsenal
This week, Arsenal saw themselves go from hot to cold in a mere two days, from an euphoria to intolerable disappointment, from admirable competency to excruciating inconsistency. From defeating Chelsea in the grandest of manners, to surrendering a lead to
lowly 10 man Wigan. It was a week of great paradox for the Londoners, and what leaves Arsenal fans with more anxiety is the fact that it’s not over yet.
On Monday night, Arsenal came out triumphant against the champions at the Emirates Stadium. It was one of the best performances Arsenal have put up in recent memory; they completely outdid Chelsea in every department and walked out worthy 2-0 victors. Theo
Walcott and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-Song-c4804 in particular put in a shift that must’ve made Arsene Wenger proud, for both are prodigies he has nurtured with great patience. Then two days later, Arsenal travelled to relegation threatened Wigan Athletic, and both Song and Walcott
were rested as Arsene Wenger made eight changes to his side to cope with the burden of the Premier League calendar.
And Arsenal paid the price, as the Arshavin inspired side failed to hold on to a lead they took after going one behind to a http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ben-Watson-c7458 penalty. Squillaci’s own goal highlighted the frailties in Arsenal's defence, and unless they get Vermaelen back soon,
they will suffer in these positions.
But on Saturday, Arsenal face a tough away trip to Birmingham. In recent history, Birmingham has been a tormenting place for the Gunners. Two years ago, Arsenal went to Birmingham as league leaders with an eight point lead and looking to extend that lead.
That season looked to be the one, the one where Arsenal would end their wait for the crown and go on to win the league, they already looked like champions. But that fateful game against Birmingham City set into motion a series of unfortunate events that would
see Arsenal crumble as the season wore on.
Arsenal went to St. Andrews in an emphatic form but the game saw a rogue tackle from Martin Taylor snap Eduardo’s leg into three pieces. That horror tackle saw Taylor get a red card but it also saw Eduardo reeling and writhing in agony. That one moment of
brutality saw Arsenal lose their stomachs, as the fight went out of them. They eventually let slip a lead to draw 2-2, but that game left Arsenal in limbo and they never recovered as they surrendered the league to eventual champions, Manchester United.
Last season, Arsenal were still gunning for the title when they travelled to St. Andrews. But they needed a win to stay hot on the heels of unerring Manchester United and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786. But again as fate would have it, Arsenal let slip a 1-0 lead in injury time
to a Kevin Phillips' header. And that virtually excluded Arsenal from the teams vying for the Premier League crown.
Birmingham City might just be a haunted house for Arsenal, but they need to exorcise those demons if they are to stay within reach of Manchester United in this season’s title race. Birmingham have proved tough opposition at home this season, as they have
defeated Chelsea and just last Tuesday held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw. That draw had given Arsenal the opportunity to reduce the gap at the top but Arsenal squandered it. And now Arsenal have to win the game against Birmingham, and it’s just the type
of game Arsene Wenger does not relish. Alex McLeish sets his team up as a physical entity who defend from the front and keep the tough tackling spirit of the game alive.
Arsenal though this season have proved they can pick themselves up and kick back, but whether they can overcome the mental hurdle and the daunting aura of St. Andrews is another question entirely.
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