Arsenal just finished round 5 with a Super Sunday match that could not be higher against Man City. That breathtaking draw was thought to be the limit of endurance for the "Gunners". However, things have not stopped...
The two goals leading Leicester at home at the Emirates after 45 minutes seemed to be a solid foundation for Mikel Arteta and his team to believe in 3 easy points. However, the away team did not simply put the match in a level playing position after only 18 minutes of play in the second half.
The closer to the end of the match, the more Arsenal attacked but there was no goal. In the early match, Man City unexpectedly lost points against Newcastle. The golden opportunity for the "Gunners" to balance the score with their opponents has come but they have almost lost it. The two goals in the 90+4 and 90+9 minutes helped The Gunners fans lift the psychological burden and burst into tears after the final whistle.
"This is the Premier League and don't hurt yourself" - Mikel Arteta shared after the match when asked about Arsenal's match and Man City's loss of points just a few hours ago.
In the second half, the moment James Justin scored a great goal from the away team proved Arteta's statement above. The team that almost beat Man City with 10 men at the Etihad struggled against the tournament's newcomers at home. In the match, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen of the "Foxes" had many good moves, causing the "Gunners" to stumble many times. That is also the harshness of the most competitive tournament on the planet.
Arsenal defended almost completely against Man City in the second half of the match last weekend. This time, when the score was 2-2, Mikel Arteta sent all 3 attacking stars onto the field: Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri. Although none of these have scored, the pressure they create is too great. The goal to increase the score to 3-2 in the 90+4 minute was actually an own goal by Leicester but it came as a result of dozens of previous heavy attacks.
When Man City pressed Arsenal last weekend, they did not give up until the last minute and got what they needed. This time, the "Gunners" did the same to find a victory. They stood firm at the Etihad with only 10 men and this time did not exhaust themselves until they achieved their goal. That is the image of the champion.
The failures of the previous two seasons only increased the motivation for Mikel Arteta and his team. Kai Havertz's goal in the 90+9 minute was like a knockout punch for Leicester. It is as a affirmation that Arsenal are maturing and getting stronger, ready to fight alongside Man City and Liverpool in the race this season.
