Arsenal head to Hull eyeing title charge
Reuters - Thursday 11 March 2010, 02:00
LONDON - Dismissed as also-rans at
various stages of an unpredictable Premier League season,
free-scoring Arsenal suddenly look ideally placed for a headlong
dash to claim the title.
Their 5-0 thumping of Porto on Tuesday to reach the
Champions League quarter-finals, even without the likes of Robin
van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, had fans inside the Emirates
salivating at what could lie in store in the next two months.
Arsenal are in third place in the Premier League, two points
behind leaders Manchester United and level with Chelsea, and
travel to Hull City on Saturday, the first game in a nine-match
run-in that looks easier than both United's and Chelsea's.
They are poised on the shoulders of their rivals as the home
straight looms but this is definitely not the time to stutter.
"We've been written off twice already I think," Belgian
defender Thomas Vermaelen told Arsenal's website.
"Maybe we will have the last laugh, we will see at the end
of the season. You have to focus every game and we will see
where we are at the end of the season."
Only four of Arsenal's remaining games are against sides
currently in the top half of the table with the potential
dangers lurking away to Tottenham Hotspur and at home to
Manchester City, both of whom are scrapping for fourth spot.
"I feel that we know we are going into a period where every
game is vital," manager Arsene Wenger, looking for his first
silverware since 2005, said after watching Nicklas Bendtner
score a hat-trick against Porto.
"We are focusing on every game in the Premier League because
if you don't do that you can lose anywhere. Already in my mind
is Hull because I know that will be a big game for us."
Arsenal are unlikely to have Fabregas back for the trip to
Hull where last season he was charged with improper conduct
following an FA Cup tie in which he also did not play.
The Spaniard, who was also accused by Hull manager Phil
Brown of spitting at his assistant Brian Horton, was rated at
50-50 for the trip to Yorkshire because of a hamstring strain.
BUOYANT ARSENAL
But with Samir Nasri in scintillating form and Sol Campbell
a reassuring rock at the back, Arsenal are buoyant.
Champions United are at home to Fulham on Sunday but with
Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all still to play boss
Alex Ferguson will remind his players they have little margin
for error as they chase a 19th English league title.
United thrashed AC Milan 4-0 on Wednesday in the Champions
League with Wayne Rooney adding another two goals to his
incredible season after missing last week's 1-0 win at Wolves.
"He's just sensational and just keeps improving," Ferguson
said of Rooney who has now scored 30 goals this season.
Chelsea, who have a game in hand over their title rivals,
have not played in the league since a 4-2 home defeat by
Manchester City and will be anxious to get back on track against
struggling West Ham United on Saturday.
"Our home record has probably been as good as anyone's over
the last few years but bad results can happen and sometimes they
can be a kick in the right direction if you react positively
enough," Chelsea's former West Ham midfielder Frank Lampard told
the club's website.
"We have certainly got it in us to go on a good run and
every team has faltered at times this season when there has been
opportunities to kick on in the league. The team that puts
together a consistent run now can go and win the league."