Arsenal vs Reading

April 18, 2008 | 39 Comments

Even though less than a week has gone by since the Man Utd game, it feels a lot longer. Because last sunday’s game carried the weight of not only the previous 7 weeks, but also the expectations of an entire season. Even if Arsenal played quite well against Man Utd, when the final whistle blew it signaled not only the end of 90 minutes but any chances of silverware this year.

Still, the league calendar shows that there are 4 games remaining and 12 points to be won. Everton’s defeat on Thursday confirmed that Arsenal will finish no lower than 4th and will compete in the Champs League (group stage qualification is not yet confirmed). Now Arsenal have to focus on trying to get 2nd place while ensuring they don’t give up 3rd to Lucky Lucky Liverpool.

It is quite difficult to believe tomorrow’s game against Reading will give Arsenal a chance to win only their first home game since the Feb 11 2-0 win over Blackburn, a game which opened a 5 point lead for Arsenal at the top of the league and was the last game before darkness descended. In the 13 games since (5 home, 8 away in all competitions), Arsenal have won just 2, drawn 7 and lost 4 times. The 5 home games since the Blackburn game have resulted in all draws — 0-0 vs Milan, 1-1 ties with Villa, Boro and Liverpool. Arsenal have scored 14 goals in those 13 games and let in 20, with only 4 goals coming in the 5 home games. Arsenal scored more than one goal on only 3 occasions, the 2-0 away win to Milan, the remarkable 3-2 comeback win at Bolton and that 4-2 loss at Anfield.

So it would be great to heal some wounds & restore a winning mentality if Arsenal can get 3 points against a Reading team who are only 3 points above the last relegation spot and fighting for survival.

Posted by Sachin | Filed Under Game Preview