No Gray Areas - Arsenal's title odds tempt
A word on Arsenal's title chances. I do worry that they lack a little Premier League experience and ruthlessness at the heart of their defence to go on and actually win the title this year, rather than just come close. But so far they've been so good in other areas that they've got away with it, which is why they're top of the table.
One of the things they've done particularly well is cope with injuries to key players. Robin van Persie, such an important player for Arsenal over the years with his skill, pace and goals, has only just come back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. In his absence Marouane Chamakh has been brilliant, especially when you consider how difficult it is for strikers to make an impact in their first season in this league.
They've also been without Cesc Fabregas for six league matches this season, their captain and talisman, yet the impressive performances of Jack Wilshere and the goals of Samir Nasri have allowed them to cope without him.
They've had nervy moments such as that last-gasp winner from Alex Song at home to West Ham, disappointment in the shape of their 3-2 defeat at home to Spurs and downright humiliation when they lost to two newly-promoted sides (Newcastle and West Brom) at home. But they've recovered from those setbacks well and look to have learnt from some of their mistakes.
Arsenal fans will also be pleased to see that they don't appear to get outmuscled or bullied in matches as they have done in the past; they've played some of the more physical sides in the league and gave as good as they got which is a sign that these days if you're going to get the better of Arsenal, you need to outplay them, not intimidate them.
They've got four very tough matches coming up between now and the New Year starting obviously with Monday night's showdown with Man Utd, and whereas it would take an incredible effort to come away with 12 points from those matches, I wouldn't be surprised if they get enough to still be top at the start of 2011. They're [5.0] right now and that may be the last time you see them at such a big price for a long time.
Recommended Bet:
Back Arsenal to win the Premier League at [5.0]
Andy Gray is now on Twitter so follow him for his exclusive tips and his take on the biggest stories in football each week.
Published: 13 Dec 2010
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