You wouldn’t have thought that four or five weeks ago when Tottenham looked nailed on for third and the Gunners were sixth.
But it’s turning into one hell of a battle for those Champions League places.
Arsenal deserve this weekend for how positive they were, going in against Manchester United with two strikers and Mesut Ozil.
They got a result because of boss Unai Emery being brave. They’ve been on a superb run to get the points and close the gap on Spurs to just one point.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham were a shoo-in a few weeks ago. Now they’ve got an unbelievable challenge on their hands.
They go away to Liverpool next and then have to take this form into their new stadium — and who knows how they will react to that?
Spurs have also got to go to Manchester City, whereas Arsenal have an easier run-in.
Chelsea missed a chance in their home draw with Wolves and United have now lost their first league game under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The difference between United yesterday and from last week in Paris was that in the Champions League win they took their chances.
Romelu Lukaku missed big opportunities at big times at the Emirates and had a bad time really.
He’s been much better in recent weeks but at 0-0 he missed a sitter from about six yards.
If that hits the back of net, then it’s probably a different story.
In the second half the Belgian missed a couple more chances to get them back into the game.
Arsenal defended very well at times and were exciting going forward but they needed a David De Gea mistake to take the lead.
It wasn’t a good one from the usually excellent United keeper. The ball didn’t swerve enough to be beaten from there.
But what a weekend it all added up to for the football fan, especially the neutral.
The top four run-in is going to be as exciting as the title race. One week it will favour one side, then it could all move around.
Sit back and enjoy!
BONE TO PICK
I WAS at Newcastle to watch a very strange performance from England keeper Jordan Pickford. In fact, it was stupid at times.
He should have been sent off for his rugby tackle on Salomon Rondon and I’m still not sure why he wasn’t.
But he simply got carried away and involved in things he shouldn’t have been. He let the crowd and occasion get to him.
Pickford should know as an ex-Sunderland player he will get stick from Newcastle fans.
But then he wants to get involved with gestures and smiles.
It’s a ridiculous and bizarre way of behaving when he should be focusing on keeping the ball out.
I’m worried for him England wise now. He was outstanding at the World Cup in Russia and should be making the shirt his.
But even basic saves he tries to make look spectacular. Everything seems to be an issue.
He is not a kid any more. There comes a time when you’ve got to do the simple things right.
Gareth Southgate announces the England squad on Wednesday and Pickford is having a poor season.
Tom Heaton also had a poor game for Burnley at Liverpool with a couple of errors, but it could be him that takes Pickford’s place.
Goalkeeper is the position we’ve not really got many options in.
Pickford should still be in the driving seat, but he’s not doing himself any favours.
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