To be honest, I was not optimistic about today's game. Liverpool has been very good lately, us not so much. And they beat us at the Emirates 2-0 in the FA Cup not long ago. So it was great to see Arsenal impose its will on Liverpool for long periods in the first half. There was a touch of fortune about both goals in the 1-1 half, but while the Reds had their nearly moments, the Gunners had the better chances and most of the play. In the second, Arsenal still looked the better side, but got their goal on a dreadful mixup between van Dyke and Allison, who presented the ball to Martinelli to roll into the net. To give our speedy Brazilian credit, he was so strong resisting VVD's charging shoulder that the big defender's momentum carried him into contact with the onrushing keeper. Martinelli was a threat until he was subbed out for Trossard, who justified this move by turning magnificently at the byline near the halfway mark and racing onto the keeper. Once again, it was VVD to the rescue to deflect Trossard's angled shot (aimed for the back post) through Allison's legs for our third, in injury time. Oh, and Konate picked up two (borderline) yellows and was sent off somewhere in there. Happy days.
We're still trailing Liverpool by two points, and if City wins their two games in hand, they'll be three better than us. But we still play Man City, and City has to play Liverpool yet. It could get tangled. Villa is just three points back of us, and Spuds only two back of Villa, then it's a six point gap to United. An intriguing race to be sure.
It's a potential relegation scrap, though it appears only 18th place is in doubt, Burnley and Sheffield United both appearing to have accepted their fate. Everton is likely to move out of 18th, with Luton a point ahead at 20 points, Forest at 21, Brentford at 22, and Palace at 24. None is safe.
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