Wenger looks set to prove the doubters wrong again as Gunners come good
Published:Many would have written Arsenal off following their 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Tottenham a month ago.
The Gunners’ insipid performance compounded fears that the club could be doomed to their worst league finish under Arsene Wenger and miss out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 16 years.
However, since then, the side has won their last three consecutive games and, if they can cope with the loss of the talismanic Jack Wilshere, they look well positioned to guarantee a top-four finish – currently available at 3/10.
Contrastingly, Spurs have suffered a blip in form and have failed to push on from that victory. An, albeit unlucky, loss to Liverpool and a characterless loss against Fulham has seen their advantage shrink dramatically.
A late equaliser against Everton earned the Lilywhites a draw today and they are now only two points clear of Arsenal.
Some lacklustre performances in the Europa League have also helped to dampen spirits at White Hart Lane but injury problems are by far their worst problem.
Aaron Lennon, who adds crucial width and pace to Spurs is out while the mesmerising Welshman Gareth Bale, who has scored 38 per cent of Tottenham’s league goals this year, picked up an ankle injury against Basel.
5/4 represents Villas-Boas’ men’s chances nicely, considering their precarious position.
Fellow London rivals Chelsea lie in third but their 2-1 loss against Southampton is also symptomatic of fragility.
Benitez’s side have since got some good results in cup competitions, notably a 1-0 win over Manchester United and are regaining some momentum having seen off Sunderland today.
They should have the quality to finish in the top four this year, and the 1/4 is representative of that.
Those looking for value might be tempted by the 12/1 for Everton to finish above the three London clubs. Unbeaten in their last four league games, the Toffees are going about their business quietly and it would be foolish to write them off just yet.
