Arsenal overcome their top four jinx and lead head-to-head table with only Manchester United – Chelsea left to play

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal

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ANALYSIS
By Richard Parry

Arsenal may have missed out on this season’s Premier League title, but they can at least claim some bragging rights over England’s newly established top four.

Having sat bottom of the pile last October, with just one point from their seven run ins with the Premier League’s elite, Arsene Wenger’s side now sit top of the pile – with only Manchester United and Chelsea left to play.

A trait of the Gunners’ success has been their ability to hit the back of the net, being the only side to have put three goals past an opponent – a feat which the Arsenal have managed on two occasions – with December’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea having followed their flawless triumph over Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City at Eastlands.

In those two games alone, Wenger’s side bagged more goals than they managed in the seven top-four contests prior to October’s standings.

Furthermore, the Gunners are the only side to have beaten an elite opponent on the road this season, in the aforementioned clash with City, whereas Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea – who could go top at weekend with a victory at Old Trafford – are yet to claim a single point on the road against their rivals.

All in all, the Emirates outfit have netted a total of 10 points from a possible 18.

This is less than the amounts achieved by their three rivals in the previous Top-Four table, but considering the turbulent nature of the league’s results this season, two defeats is no mean feat.

But having regained the stronghold over their rivals beggars the question, where have they slipped up to not be leading the title race?

Six goals lost, seven points cost

Yes, the Gunners have dropped points at home to Blackburn and West Brom, as well as a fightback against Roy Hodgson’s men at the Hawthorns, but considering their form against Chelsea and the two Manchester sides, it has been clashes with Tottenham and Liverpool – former members of the top four – which have proven the most costly.

Allowing two-goal leads slip against Spurs, twice, has cost Wenger’s side five points, while Dirk Kuyt’s equalising penalty – what was the last kick of the game – saw a further two points slip from their grasp.

Saying that, should Arsenal rectify their form and overall consistency next season who is to say they cannot end their infamous trophy drought with England’s premier accolade. After all, they have proven themselves more than a match for their title-chasing rivals.

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