By Tony Attwood
It is rare that I get the chance to write a post straight after a match has finished, but I have managed it today simply because I wanted to point out a few factors relating to the league table…
You will, of course, know that Arsenal are top, courtesy of having played seven games while Liverpool have played six. But there are a few other pointers to note.
As things stand, Arsenal have scored the equal top number of goals (with Mancheser City), have, the equal lowest number of goals conceded (with Crystal Palace), have the best goal difference, and are not only two points clear of Liverpool (who as I write have a game in hand), but are two points or more about the other teams that have played seven.
And of course I know that we have had under a fifth of the season, but for me, enjoying moments like this are a part of what football is all about. This is how enjoyment comes.
Of course, there are many people who will always say, “Let’s wait til its all over,” but I like having some celebrations and fun in my life – and as I often say to my pals who tell me of pitfalls that might be ahead, “Why not have fun now?”
Here’s the top of the table…
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 3 | 11 | 16 |
| 2 | Liverpool | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 15 |
| 3 | Tottenham Hotspur | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 14 |
| 4 | AFC Bournemouth | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 14 |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 12 |
| 6 | Sunderland | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 11 |
| 7 | Manchester City | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| 8 | Manchester United | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 11 | -2 | 10 |
For if anyone says, “You made a right fool of yourself printing that table after seven games” because things haven’t worked out, I will reply, “No, I enjoyed the moment. I’m sad it didn’t work out, but at least I know how to be happy.”
As a result of today’s game, West Ham United are now bottom of the league – which is interesting given that their supporters had already turned on the club’s owners long before today. And as I may have mentioned before, they didn’t have to pay for their stadium.
So yes, Arsenal can slip down, back to second if Liverpool win their game in hand, away to Chelsea, starting in a few minutes. A draw will leave Arsenal top, and a Chelsea win will take them from ninth up to sixth. Which, when you come to think of the money they have spent, is not very impressive.
But here’s one other thought. Arsenal have played 10 games all told this season and conceded three goals- a thought that adds to my happiness.
I’ve got to get going now, but I’ll come back tomorrow with some more thoughts, possibly on some other teams as well. But please do send in a comment if you wish. Have a good evening. I know I will.
Tony .. on another positive note the referee did quite well and I was pleased to see his penalty decision upheld without any delay.
@Graham,
yes, that happened. Technically, after the NEW penalty denial which happened because VAR convinced the referee it was a clear and obvious mistake on his part in a lengthy discussion, whether the foul was inside or outside the box is a referee decision and cannot be called an obvious mistake. So at least here VAR acted right IMHO.
A couple of WHAM hands/arms touching the ball in their box… at least one of them would have been VAR-checked had it been an Arsenal hand IMHO.
Surprising is the fouls/cards statistic… 13 fouls no card on the Arsenal side, 14 fouls 2 cards on the WHAM side.
Well Rice and Odegaard are most probably not going on international duty and we can just hope that they will be able to get better in the next 2 weeks. We can only hope the other players on international duty don’t get into harm’s way…
On another note, I find it fascinating how little credit Mr Arteta gets for adding 5 new elements into his team almost seamlessly when I see how even Pool! who spent more cannot get their act together.
TOTL for the moment. And yes I enjoy it. I try to celebrate and enjoy everything that I can so will do it. After that difficult start being in this position is dreamland. I would have thought that we might be chasing the leaders by some 5 points by now. Seems they are chasing us for the moment.
Was not able to see the game live on tv as I had another function to attend , but was happy none the less with the three points , the clean sheet , no bookings . As for the soon to absent players , not really bothered as we seem to have cover for nearly all of them !
WOO HOO , HOO !
Up the Gunners !