Everton 1-0 Arsenal

 Pressure is Mounting

Prior to Arsenal's clash with Manchester City a week ago in the 4th round of the FA cup, I speculated the impact the result could have on both clubs.  City ended up winning 1-0 in an uninspiring game from Arsenal.  Prior to the match, I signified the importance of winning the league for Arsenal, and bowing out of the FA Cup may not be the worst thing for the future of the season.  However, I also warned of the potential effects that a loss to your rival may have on the psyche of the team.

Arsenal followed up the lack of artistic creativity with a shocking 1-0 loss to Everton.  The same Everton that are 1-point clear of relegation sitting at 17th place.  The same Everton that lost 5-0 to Minnesota FC, the MLS club, in the preseason.  The same Everton whose fans are harassing players, coaches, and ownership.  Going so far as to fly a plane over their home pitch during today's match stating, "Leagues worst run club".  After today's disastrous result, Arsenal sit at 50 points after 20 matches played.  The Cityzens have earned 45 points through the same 20 weeks of competition.  

The league leaders have now gone scoreless in their last two matches.  Pressure is starting to mount for Arsenal with the coming match against Brentford.  A team that currently sits at 6th place in the table.  Having scored 10 while only conceding 2 goals in their last 6 matches.  Meanwhile, Man City play Tottenham on Sunday.  City previously beat the Spurs in a 4-2 thriller after trailing 2-0 at halftime.  It was the match that sparked a renewed vigor in Pep.  A maniac who isn't afraid to call out his own players and fans for their lack of fight.  The push that ultimately led to starting LB Cancelo leaving at the end of the Winter transfer window due to discontent within the squad.  If City have weeded out the problems and win on Sunday, they will sit only 2 points behind Arsenal.  

With dropped points by Arsenal against Brentford, City will have a chance to become level, or even claim first place outright with a win in the match following Tottenham.  City are comfortable in this position.  Having previously made up double-digit deficits to Liverpool at the midpoint of the season to claim first place on multiple occasions.  With two league matches remaining between the first and second place clubs, the pressure is mounting on Arsenal as they try to maintain a buffer.  Are Arsenal, who have not won the league in nearly 20-years, and Arteta, who is yet to manage a league champion, able to withstand the coming assault by Pep's warship.






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