CP wins FA Cup

 1-0 after surviving a PK.  

The first title in their history  

LIV 2-2 ARS: Jekyll and Hyde Performance Earns a Valuable Point

 I was at a holiday event yesterday at which it was not possible to tactfully watch this game.  I had to catch up on it via LiveScore and the later highlights and writeups.  The Reds outplayed us by a wide margin in the first half and were good value for their two goal lead.  The Gunners turned it around with a re-energized performance in the second half.  (Verbal fireworks from Arteta at halftime no doubt played a role.)  This point means that Arsenal is sure to finish in the top five if they get as little as one point from the six on offer against Newcastle and Southampton.  Beating Newcastle at home means a second place spot.  The table:

Villa and Chelsea can only pass us if they win their last two and we lose.  Forest is too far back to catch us but they can get top five.  (Remember that goal difference is the tiebreaker and Arsenal's is better than any except Liverpool's.  Of course, a slip-up by any of the chasers means we're in, and they may be out.  I hope Chelsea and Villa lose out.  It would put their shoddy financial practices in the spotlight when the loss of ECL revenue means big losses.

The race for 8th place and a spot in Europe is interesting.  Brentford, Brighton, and Bournemouth are all alive in that.

Fingers crossed for the in-form Eagles in the FA Cup on the weekend!

PSG 2-1 ARS (3-1 agg): Fine Margins

 The Gunners have no reason to hang their heads after being beaten in this ECL semifinal by the French champions.  Our lack of finishers was exposed; Arsenal actually had a 5-3 advantage in xG.  We are so close.  This ECL campaign was a real showcase for our talent and tenacity, but the squad was too injury-hit to stay with a fully healthy PSG.  

We now have to play out the league matches.  Three points will keep us in the Champions' League no matter what the other teams do, and Southampton should provide them.  Anything we can get from Newcastle and Liverpool would be great.

The summer transfer window is crucial.  We need a good striker and a midfielder or two.

ARS 1-2 BOU: Late Season Collapse, or Hiccup?

 Arteta picked a strong side and we lost anyway.  No excuses.  It took a handball goal (inexplicably allowed) to get them the win, but Bournemouth managed this game very well and I don't begrudge them the three points.  Wednesday is not looking any easier after this display.