A few hours into the monumental clash I was optimistic but not totally confident. There is no denying the surprise factor they've sprang this season. As time went on, I got used to the uncomfortable sight of seeing them at the top. I wasn't really happy to see them up there, but as far as I'm concerned they are the lesser of two evils. So, when the news of Thomas Partey's injury filtered in I became agitated. One of Arsenal's problems in recent years has always been the lack of a proper, physically imposing defensive midfielder, leading to them getting harassed and bullied on several occasions. Partey sorted that problem brilliantly, so losing him in such a game of high stakes was unsettling.
Arsenal were admirable in their 3-1 loss to Manchester City, but being admirable does not win the big games or titles. The possession count showed Arsenal had the ball about two-third of the time. Once again, hugging the ball never translates to winnings. Is this the end of Arsenal's title challenge? Definitely not - they have a game in hand against Everton. However, even the most optimistic of supporters will now have a sincere doubt about the possibility of Arsenal ending their title drought, a feat that looked like an eventuality a few weeks ago when they led with as much as 8 points. Also, Arsenal has now lost 11 consecutive league games against City. When next they travel to the Etihad, there is a likelihood the losing streak will extend to 12 league games on a trot. Right now it looks like the bogeyman, City, is back and no one can do anything about it. As for me, I'll be rooting for Arsenal to do well in the next 16 games and pip City to the title. If they don't, it won't be the end of the world
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Wasteful or Impressive?
Todd Boehly was at the Signal Iduna Park to enjoy firsthand the magic of the Champions League in full pelt. Expectedly, the Yellow Wall never disappoints. What will disappoint Boehly will definitely be the wasteful attitude of his players. Having struggled with the quick feet of the Dortmund players in the first half, Chelsea asserted control in the second half but failed to take their chances. Dortmund's keeper made seven saves to Kepa's one. Felix wasted two glorious chances when he struck the post and skied the ball from inside the box. Sincerely, Chelsea had no business losing that match. However, their second half performance is good enough to suggest they will make the necessary tweaks and get past Dortmund in the second leg.
It will be silly to believe Chelsea will make the Champions League place considering the point gap and the teams ahead of them. It will be a lot more baffling for anyone to assume Chelsea can go all the way and win the Champions League - though it's not impossible. With those two very important targets seemingly out of reach, Potter can use the remainder of the season to mould his team in anticipation of an all out assault next season. They've assembled the pieces, it's now a question of if these wonderfully assembled pieces can be made to work in unison towards a common goal.
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