Steady as she goes

The weekend proved to be quite favourable in numerous ways, particularly for those of us closely following the Premier League.

One of the most notable outcomes was the match between Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, which ended in a scintillating 3-3 draw.

Classic !

This result was significant as it prevented Bournemouth from gaining crucial points that could elevate them into 1st place in the standings, while also keeping Crystal Palace from solidifying their position when a win taking them 2nd. Furthermore, the unexpected defeat of Tottenham Hotspur at home against Aston Villa was another highlight of the weekend. Spurs, who had been enjoying a decent run of form, faced a setback that not only affected their morale but also their chances of climbing the table. It was a surprising turn of events, especially considering the home advantage that usually plays a crucial role in such fixtures.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Manchester City briefly occupied the top spot in the league for a few hours during the weekend beating Everton 2-0 at the Etihad. While it was a momentary position, it served as a reminder of their competitive nature and prowess in the league. However, despite this fleeting moment of glory for City, we certainly cannot complain about our own standing. Our team's performance has been commendable, and we have managed to maintain a strong position in the league, which is a testament to our consistency and resilience throughout the season.

Yet, perhaps the most consequential result of the weekend was Liverpool's defeat. This particular outcome was pivotal for us, as it alleviated some of the mounting pressure (even at this early part of the season) that had been building as we approached the critical juncture of the season. With Liverpool falling short, we were able to extend our lead to a comfortable four points, which is a significant buffer as we continue to navigate the challenges ahead.

Even if Liverpool were to secure a victory against Brentford in the late evening game on Saturday, we would still be in a favourable position to maintain our status at the top of the table. This cushion not only boosts our confidence but also allows us to focus on our upcoming matches without the immediate threat of being overtaken. Overall, the weekend's results have contributed positively to our campaign, and as we look forward, we remain optimistic about our prospects in the league.

Looking ahead, I believe that Manchester City will be the biggest challengers to us as we strive to claim the title after a long wait of over 20 years. Their recent performances and consistent investment in top-tier talent have positioned them as formidable opponents in the league. However, if it weren't for the exceptional brute and goal-scoring ability of Erling Haaland, I truly think we would be in a much stronger position to walk away with the league title this season. Haaland's presence on the pitch has proven to be a game-changer for City; his speed, strength, and clinical finishing have allowed them to secure crucial wins and maintain a competitive edge. Moreover, the tactical prowess of their manager, combined with a well-rounded squad filled with depth and experience, makes City a challenging team to overcome.

Each match against them feels like a significant battle, as they are capable of turning the tide in their favour at any moment. In contrast, our team has shown great resilience and determination, but the pressure from City, especially with Haaland leading their attack, creates a unique set of challenges that we must navigate carefully. The competition is fierce, and every point matters as we move forward in this season. Ultimately, it will come down to consistency, strategy, and perhaps a bit of luck as we aim to end this long title drought.

City's upcoming 4 or 5 matches are crucial, and when they lose points, we need to remain focused and secure maximum points to create a significant buffer. This is important because we might encounter a challenging period (even though Liverpool didn't last season).

I'm certainly not getting ahead of myself after just 8 games with 30 remaining in the season, but it seems essential to stay focused and keep calm at every turn. The journey through a season is often filled with ups and downs, and maintaining a level head is critical for both individual and team performance. Each match presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, and it's vital to approach each game with a clear mind and an unwavering commitment to improvement. The pressure can be intense, especially when the stakes are high, but by grounding ourselves in the present moment and focusing on what we can control, we can navigate through the season's uncertainties more effectively.

Maybe we won't see this ever again?

It's crucial to view a defeat or draw, especially when others are winning, not as a crisis but as a valuable learning opportunity. In the competitive landscape of sports, setbacks are inevitable, and how we respond to these challenges can define our overall success. Rather than succumbing to frustration or despair, we should analyse what went wrong, identify any mistakes made during the game, and use that information to refine our strategies moving forward. This mindset fosters resilience and encourages a culture of continuous improvement within the team. Concentrating on the task at hand, rather than dwelling on past results or worrying about future implications, allows us to channel our energy into productive efforts. By doing so, we cultivate a strong foundation that will help us grow and adapt as the season progresses, ultimately leading to better performances in the games to come.

Two seasons ago, we were in a strong position, leading by 8 points at one stage. However, a series of poor performances triggered a negative response and a more cautious strategy, which ultimately resulted in us finishing just 1 point behind the eventual champions, Man City. We must prevent the same mistakes or uncertainties from affecting the players this campaign. The team is well-prepared, robust, and deep enough to handle any injuries or dips in form.

Understanding Squad Depth and Performance

Teams are now acutely aware of the depth and strength of our squad, which has become a significant factor in our performance this season. With a well-rounded roster that includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, we are consistently working towards earning the crucial points we need to secure our position in the league standings.

This depth allows us to rotate players effectively, manage fatigue, and maintain a high level of performance throughout the gruelling season. As we navigate through the challenges of each match, I find myself feeling more at ease when we are in the lead rather than when we are in pursuit of our opponents. There is a certain psychological comfort that comes with holding a lead; it allows us to play with more freedom and confidence. In contrast, chasing down a rival team requires a level of perfection that can be incredibly demanding. The pressure to perform flawlessly can weigh heavily on players, leading to an increased likelihood of errors and mistakes during critical moments in the game.

Reflecting on last season, we faced significant challenges while trying to chase down our competitors. The fear of falling behind created an atmosphere of anxiety that permeated our gameplay. This fear manifested itself in various ways, resulting in uncharacteristic errors that ultimately cost us valuable points. We made those mistakes, whereas Liverpool, managed to maintain their composure and execute their game plan effectively. The contrast in our approaches highlighted the importance of mental fortitude in high-pressure situations. Liverpool's ability to stay focused and composed under pressure allowed them to capitalize on our mistakes and seize opportunities that we failed to convert.

As we move forward this season, it is crucial for us to learn from those experiences, harness the strengths of our squad, and cultivate a mindset that embraces the challenge of both leading and chasing. In summary, while we acknowledge the depth of our squad and the potential it offers, we must also recognize the mental aspects of competition. Striking the right balance between confidence and composure will be essential as we strive to earn the points necessary to win the league. The lessons learned from last season's pursuit will serve as a guiding force as we aim to refine our approach and enhance our performance on the pitch.

some of the injured of last season..

Certainly, decisions didn't favour us, and injuries troubled us for several months, yet we remained competitive for most of the season. Therefore, we must acknowledge the team and management for sustaining this effort.

Is it possible for us to win the league?

Is it possible for us to achieve the unimaginable and accomplish a quadruple?

The team definitely has the ability.

Can Arteta accomplish it?

Will he select the appropriate players at the right moments against the suitable opponents?

With such a large squad, you might assume that even if he made a mistake, there are players who can step in and improve the game.

In the long term, the absences of Jesus, Havertz, Odegaard, and Madueke, who are all attack-minded players, create anticipation for their return.

This is arguably the finest group of players we've assembled in over 20 years, and it should undoubtedly support our pursuit of the top prizes available.

one day at a time sweet Jesus..

Steady as she goes..

Bring on Atletico Madrid..