AMEX STADIUM — Like Manchester United supporters the world over, Mikel Arteta will settle down to watch their meeting with Liverpool more in hope than expectation after Arsenal dropped more points against Brighton.
Liverpool’s five-point lead is not insurmountable, but they have two games in hand on the Gunners and still have to welcome them to Anfield. Arne’s boys have a big advantage on the chasing pack.
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Read MoreThey will have to act quickly, though, before the moving target gallops off into the distance.
Along with Liverpool, they won the most Premier League games (26) and the most points (85). They had by far the best defensive record, conceding 25 goals (14 fewer than any other side) and were a close second in the attacking stats, scoring 89 goals (just three behind Liverpool).
They are an excellent team but have been less convincing this campaign. Injuries have piled up, individual mistakes have crept in, luck has dried up.
Illness ravaged their attack, with Gabriel Martinelli and Odegaard only fit enough for second half cameos and Kai Havertz absent entirely.
Nwaneri opened the scoring for Arsenal (Photo: Getty)
Even so, it all started so well. Less than 24 hours after Luke Littler lit up Ally Pally, another 17-year-old produced a moment of magic.
It took only 16 minutes for him to do it for real after bounding into space generously left for him by Brighton’s left-hand side. He has scored five goals in his first 20 senior matches and is a superstar in the making.
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Read MoreFabian Hurzeler’s team lacked authority in the final third, but capitalised upon a rare misjudgement from William Saliba to equalise from the penalty spot.
The Brazilian recovered to send David Raya the wrong way and earn his side a point.
“I have never seen it in my life, and Saliba touches the ball. For me, a clear no penalty.”
Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle probably comes at a good time, offering a break from the Premier League and a chance to reset.
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