Arsenal are just about in the title race….just! They trail leaders Chelsea by eight points. Whilst that lead is far from insurmountable, it does look increasingly likely that Arsenal will drop more points than Chelsea between now and the climax of the season. Arsenal almost blew it at home to Burnley in their previous home fixture. It took a penalty seven minutes into stoppage time from Alexis Sanchez to rescue all three points for the Gunners.
This story has a familiar ring to it from previous seasons. Arsenal is simply too error-prone when it comes to dropping points in games where they shouldn’t.
Arsenal Can Close the Gap
On Tuesday, Arsenal entertains Watford on the same evening that leaders Chelsea travel to Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp has seen his Liverpool side suffer a dip in form since the start of the year but they are still tough to beat at home. This is a great chance for Arsenal to show their fans that they have what it takes to win the title.
The pundits and experts don’t rate Arsenal’s chances when it comes to winning the league. They let a huge opportunity slip last season when Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all had mediocre seasons by their standards. Yet Arsenal still couldn’t land the title, which is proving to be more and more elusive season by season. While the Gunners have been picking up points of late, their Achilles Heel is in defence.
Papering Over the Cracks
Arsenal came from three goals down to draw 3-3 away at Bournemouth which was a great fight back and showed tremendous spirit and grit. The main problem was that they were three goals down in the first place. Arsene Wenger will be serving a touchline ban after being punished for his outburst at the fourth official during their home game with Burnley.
That shouldn’t prevent Arsenal from taking the game to Watford who are resilient but nothing special. Arsenal can be backed at 1-4 with Stan James but there appears to be little value in those odds. Watford is a best-priced 14-1 with BetVictor while you can get 6-1 for the draw also with BetVictor.
Given that Arsenal is likely to score at home coupled with how dodgy they are in defence, the odds for both teams to score may prove better value. You can get even money with Stan James for both Arsenal and Watford to find the net. Having a bet on the correct score may also be a good choice. BetVictor offer odds of 9-1 on a 2-1 Arsenal victory and that bet may be worth a flutter as is the 13-1 on offer for a 1-1 draw.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
