Arsenal's latest league defeat can trigger another trampoline leap

Patrice Evra of Manchester United battle for the ball with Jack Wilshere of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Arsene Wenger’s team of boys men enter the international break with their heads held high despite the defeat at Old Trafford by a solitary goal, courtesy of ex-Gunner Robin van Persie who is settling into a habit of scoring against them – something for the Gunners’ boss to look into a bit more meticulously for future fixtures. Arsenal’s performance did not deserve a loss but in retrospect, the failure to come away with points should not prove too much of a disappointment given their current form. After all, few expected them to lose after opening the scoring against Aston Villa in August this year and that result brought about the best in the team in the subsequent sequence of matches and a wave of form the team continues to ride on currently.

The players’ reaction throughout the match against United was in stark contrast to earlier seasons when being down by a goal against teams of United’s stature meant nervous struggle. Arsenal are no longer the adolescent bunch trying to fend off aggressive play from their opponents while using their talent to score goals to stay in matches and submit meekly when pressed. The new Arsenal is not afraid to play rough and do not wilt under pressure.

Evidence of Giroud willing to ram into Johnny Evans early into the match and the likes of Mathieu Flamini scuffing it out willingly match after match lend a level of physical toughness absent in the team for a prolonged period. Teams with a winning mentality and attitude like United are never afraid to play tough or get booked if it helps them get a stronghold on matches and Arsenal’s new found ability to play that way is truly an encouraging sight for the club’s loyal supporters.

That United were sitting back and trying to absorb Arsenal’s attacking moves is in itself a statement of intent that the Gunners will not be willing to go down easily. Mr. Wenger was spot on in sending in Gnabry and Bendtner to try and look for an equalizer and if not for the unlucky Bendtner (who narrowly missed a prolonged moment of glory when he failed to connect in front of the net from an amazing Sagna cross) Arsenal’s unbeaten streak away from home would have been intact at this point. But streaks are meant to be broken and too much should not be put into this latest loss at the hands of the defending champions.

Like the defeat to Villa which inspired the club to a run of 8 victories and 1 draw which took them to the top of the table, this defeat to United could trigger a similar run of form with key players like Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski scheduled to return to first team action soon and helping the team sustain a run of significant matches leading to the January transfer window when Mr. Wenger might just pull another ace out of his rejuvenated book of tricks.

Arsenal next set of League fixtures look very exciting and the club could be poised to start the New Year at the same position in the table – which would be a sight of sheer joy for the fans who have waited too long.

November 23	Southampton	H
November 30	Cardiff	A
December 4	Hull City	H
December 8	Everton	H
December 14	Man City	A
December 23	Chelsea	H
December 26	West Ham	A
December 29	Newcastle	A
January 1	Cardiff	H