Random Thoughts From Premier League Gameweek 26

1. Arsenal fans can exhale and begin chanting, “All is well”. Yes, the Gunners played much better Sunday, but this is still the same club that was routed at the San Siro recently so it is difficult to get a firm grasp on just how good Arsene Wenger’s men are.  It will be interesting to see what Arsenal squad shows up next week when they travel to Anfield.

2. Manchester United continues to play down to its competition. Norwich City is a plucky club, but United should have won by a couple of goals at a minimum.  After United went up early in the match, they shut down and lost focus for about sixty minutes.  It took a late miraculous goal from the ageless Ryan Giggs to save them.  This indifferent approach already cost them three points in an earlier match against Blackburn and it is a troubling trend for a squad vying for the league title.

3. The Carling Cup final was everything that is great about English football. I am sure that Cardiff fans are disappointed with the final outcome.  But they should be proud in the way that their club pushed one of the giants of English football for well over a hundred minutes.  The final touch to the match was the sportsmanship displayed by Steven Gerrard consoling his cousin Anthony after his missed penalty kick ensured a Liverpool victory.

4. March may become the make or break month for Tottenham. Coming off a loss at Arsenal, Spurs play against Manchester United, at Everton, and at Chelsea in the upcoming month. The next four weeks could decide whether Totten entrench themselves in the third spot in the league or if they will be forced to try and stay within a Champions League place once that calendar turns to April.

5. Up 2-0 heading into halftime, it was almost assured that Newcastle would come away with the full three points against Wolves. But under the stewardship of new manager Terry Connor, Wolverhampton continued to attack and came away with a 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park.  A disappointing result for Newcastle as they still have hopes for a Champions League spot, but it was a breath of fresh air for Wolves fans.

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