How are the big seven clubs doing against each other? There are some surprises

2 Replies to “How are the big seven clubs doing against each other? There are some surprises”

1. Thanks for putting the record straight !

   This is a copy/paste from the Guardian feed yesterday at half time. Arsenal have played only 2 of 6 possible games against top 4 teams…. so just to be on a negative, they play with stats so it serves their purpose and shift the goal posts…. can’t stand Arsenal being in a good place and appreciated.

   “The biggest asterisk on Arsenal’s position is that because of the scheduling this year, they have only played two of the six possible games against the other top four teams, and have failed to register a win in them,” says Vibhanshu Bisht. “Add to that their tendency to throw away title chances as late as March, City’s ability to string together winning streaks of 983 matches, and the ever-improving form of Man United, and I would not dare to make a prophecy till at least April.”

   Yes, all fair points. City often play silly buggers for a month or so in the middle of the season before deciding it’s time to win absolutely everything. I think the key will be how Arsenal – the players, managers and fans – deal with their first blip. That’s if they have one.

2. “Looking at the top seven playing each other is a good way to judge the relative merits of each team this season, especially when analysed on a points per game basis.

   And especially so when much of the media is not making much of this review – undoubtedly because they are wanting to go easy on Tottenham who have played seven games against the other Big Seven teams but actually managed only one point from these matches!”

   At least our friend Jonathan Liew in the Guardian has noticed it stating:

   “Conte is one of the world’s great coaches. No quibbles there. But some coaches and clubs are simply the wrong fit for each other. Tottenham have now played six games against the rest of the big seven and lost every one, bar the late draw at Chelsea.”

   In a piece headlined:

   Spurs’ – and Conte’s – lack of fervour thrown into stark relief by Arsenal Led by a manager who is treading water, Tottenham are going nowhere, while their derby rivals kick on with commitment.

   So a bit of Spurs knocking from the normally rabid anti Arsenal Mr Liew.

   If you want to read the whole piece it’s here: https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/jan/15/spurs-and-contes-lack-of-fervour-thrown-into-stark-relief-by-arsenal