Arsenal v Chelsea – Sending off, Concede, Defeat, Repeat

Why, oh why, oh why, is it always the same story against Chelsea?! Even when we’re high flyers and they’re languishing in the bottom half they still manage to do the double over us. For Arsenal fans, Sunday’s game would have just brought back the same frustration and anger as the return fixture did. A first half sending off dictating the rest of the game. And for those who aren’t convinced take a look at the stats before the sending off and after.

Liverpool v Arsenal – A frustrating but fair draw

So frustrating having two points stolen from us in the 90^th minute!! And by Joe Allen of all people…Joe Allen?! Who knew he was still playing first team football at Liverpool! I was convinced the self-styled Pirlo look-a-like would have followed Rodgers out and waited for him to get a new job. Anyways, it is what it is and in all fairness the result probably did reflect the efforts of both teams.

It was a high tempo game with both sides creating chances. In fact there were 36 shots on goal in the match in total. That’s over one every three minutes. It was an exciting match to watch, but just a disappointing end for Arsenal fans. We shouldn’t be too upset Man City also drew and Leicester beating Tottenham was probably the best outcome in the longer term.

So what were the key points from the game worth talking about? Let’s take a look…

Mohamed Elneny – Arsenal’s newest midfielder

It’s rare for Arsene Wenger to publicly announce that we’re chasing a player, let alone that a deal is imminent. But he has broken his usual silence and misdirection several times when it comes to Mohamed Elneny. The FC Basel midfielder is set to be the first Egyptian to join Arsenal and will help strengthen the side after injuries to Coquelin, Cazorla and Wilshere.

Arsenal and the ‘even year’ curse!

Arsenal start 2016 top of the Premier League and as favourites to win the title, but it was only two years ago we were in a similar position. So why should the fans be optimistic this season? Or better still should they be optimistic at all? This post examines how Arsenal’s performance changes with calendar year and the odd pattern in recent years that doesn’t spell good news for the club’s title ambitions.