Arsenal Top the Table

WHAT IS THIS?! DO MY EYES DECEIVE ME?

That is right ladies and gentlemen, Arsenal top the table. While topping the table shouldn’t be that big of a deal for such an amazing and massive club like Arsenal, take the following factors into consideration.

1) Arsenal have not topped the table this late in the year for some years.

2) Arsenal were 11 points behind Chelsea 6 weeks ago after getting destroyed at home by the aforementioned Blues.

3) Arsenal have not won a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup (which was won in penalties during my brothers law school graduation while I huddled over my cell phone with my dad constantly refreshing the browser to check the score).

4) I AM JUST FREAKING OUT WITH EXCITEMENT!!!!!!

Ok ok coming back to earth a few things need to be mentioned. While we top Chelsea based on goals scored (1^st tie breaker is goal difference but we are tied), Chelsea still have a game in hand. Nevertheless, coming back from 11 down in 6 weeks is astonishing and now Chelsea must respond to reclaim top spot. You may ask how we got to the top and I will tell you. A run of 8 wins in 10 games will do that for you while the rest of the league falters. People questioned Arsenal’s mental toughness and ability to grind out results (rightfully so based on the past few years) but this years crop of Gunners have responded in tremendous fashion. Led by Captain Fantastic Fabregas, Arsenal are firing on all cylinders despite having an injury list that could almost field a second team!  This was brilliantly displayed on Wednesday when Arsenal needed a 2 goal win to take top spot at home against Bolton (somewhat of a bogey team for Arsenal over the years). Arsenal went down 2-0 in the first 30 minutes and it seemed like they pissed this opportunity away to go top. Nevertheless, Wenger’s men responded in stunning fashion and smashed home 4 straight goals to win the game 4-2 and go top.

And this is why English Football is so exciting. As January comes to an end the season really starts to heat up. Arsenal travel to Stoke for an FA Cup tie then play Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool on the trot. That is undoubtedly a daunting schedule and the results of these games will have a dramatic effect on the championship. Throw in the start of the Champions League Knockout Round at the end of February and you have nonstop football excitement! Stay tuned for more Fodder and try to catch a game if you can! ESPN360 has lots of games on or you can watch games weekend mornings on ESPN or Fox Soccer Channel (which is finally launching in HD soon!), Cheers!