So we have turned the last corner of the 2012/13 season and we approach the finishing line with neck-break speed like Usain Bolt. The season might have been a marathon like Mo Farah’s races but this last game would determine our final league standing and our possible next season set-up.
At the beginning of this campaign, i tweeted at goonerdaily that Arsenal could win the quadruple. That was the optimistic me expressing immense desire to banish the 7years trophylessness to hades. I was to be disappointed for the umpteenth time only to see Arsenal chasing top4 till week 38.
On Tuesday, we sent Wigan down and reclaimed 4th spot but we need to deliver the position on Sunday against Newcastle. Only 3 matches in the EPL is of importance and all 3 involves 3 London teams: Newcastle vs Arsenal, Everton vs Chelsea, Tottenham vs Sunderland.
The last time we met the Toon Army, it was the last match of 2012 at the emirates where Walcott got a hattrick and Giroud was a goal shy of his hattrick. We won 7-3. Newcastle has plummeted since then with sale of Demba Ba to Chelsea and the mediocre performance of the French imports.
I expect Giroud to be sent back to the starting 11 with Podolski relegated to the bench. If Arteta fails his late-fitness test, the trio of Ramsey, Rosicky and Cazorla would man the middle while Podolski returns to the left. The remaining positions should remain unchanged from the side that beat Wigan.
While we are hoping and aiming to beat Newcastle to confirm Champions League for next season, there is a small matter of the possibilty of coming 3rd. If Chelsea, jaded by their Europa League win, draw with Everton, Arsenal could come 3rd by winning Newcastle by more than a goal margin and avoid the play offs. I believe Arsenal would run roit over Newcastle but can Everton give David Moyes a befitting sendforth victory? I am not even worried about Spurs.
The Probability of the 39th game between Arsenal and Chelsea is little but a combination of results may bring the play-off to limelight. I really do wish to avoid it but sunday would determine. The FA have fixed May 26th and Villa Park for the match. The play-off will be to Arsenal’s advantage because chelsea were better head-to-head.
So I wait tomorrow but I am basking in Mourinho’s cup lose from lastnight. He has gone trophyless this season and I enjoyed Athletico painting Madrid Red. Yaya sanogo’s news is weird and i am indifferent for now.
Lets win big and start next season strong.