On a scale of 1-10 Arsenal fans seem to swing between 2 and 6 in the happiness stakes. Because, after so many false dawns with this side under Arsene Wenger over the last decade, few dare to believe that they are actually about to break through the glass ceiling and win some proper silverware again.
But the FA Cup win last season was a step in the right direction and, most importantly, there finally appears to be a steeliness about the team which has been missing for so long.
The great thing for Arsenal fans is that the remaining fixtures should provide a proper barometer of where they are at. A Cup Final against Liverpool – unless of course The Reds get beaten by Blackburn and Rodgers is dismissed in a frenzied end of season at Anfield – plus league games against Manchester United and champions elect Chelsea, should give Gunners fans a reasonable understanding of whether there has indeed been progress under Wenger this season.
But first, a tricky away fixture against a Burnley side with many admirers due to their never-say-die attitude and positive approach to the game.
Sean Dyche may look more like a rugby coach but few could argue that he has squeezed every last drop out of his playing resources this season. Rather than fear such games, Burnley genuinely look as if they relish these games in the same way that Ronnie ‘The Rocket’ O’ Sullivan relishes a shot to nothing.
Arsenal look fresh, hungry and have fewer injuries than at most times over the last few campaigns. Apart from Jack Wilshere (who played 90 minutes for the reserves this week) and Mikel Arteta, Arsenal may be without Laurent Koscielny and will be shorn of The Ox.
But Gabriel has been quietly impressive and will likely continue alongside Per Whatasacko’. The big question is who plays in the attacking positions. Summer signing Danny Welbeck may well get a start after injury as his energy could be useful in this game.
So here is our best XI. Arsenal fans: agreed?
lamin corea
Apr 8, 2015 at 10:53 pm
good luck to arsenal
George Smith
Apr 9, 2015 at 12:21 am
Burnley have taken points off the big teams and must not be undersestimated.I think they will get in the gunners faces denying the latter time and space.
Rest assured they will indulge in robust tackles.If the ref doesn’t flash a yc,some gunners could be injured.
However if the ref performs as expected,football and Arsenal will win.
Btw,Arsenal need to stop weaving intricate patterns. Go direct as in the last few games and they will win. I have more confidence in the defence
Irish Claret
Apr 9, 2015 at 9:28 am
You’ve clearly never seen Burnley play. We are not top of the Fair Play League without good cause.
Don’t believe everything that comes out of Mourinho’s mouth – make your own decisions from time to time.
Tom Arthur
Apr 9, 2015 at 10:08 am
Clown of a comment based on false assumptions.
“Rest assured they will indulge in robust tackles. If the ref doesn’t flash a yc, some gunners could be injured.”
Burnley have the better discipline record, suggesting robust tackles and injuries are less likely than normal and in fact more likely to come from the Arsenal players! (46yc v 71yc)
R
Apr 9, 2015 at 1:20 am
Why on earth would AFC select Gibbs in preference to Monreal !!!!!!!!
Hashim
Apr 9, 2015 at 2:59 am
I will want Walcott to start in this game. His pace would be beneficial from the start and Arsenal could catch the Burnley defence by surprise early on.
Luciano
Apr 9, 2015 at 7:45 am
Theo Walcott is the worst by current form, its beta to use Welbeck or try youngster Sergie Gnabry or The Ox.
Ignatiuz Epem
Apr 9, 2015 at 7:22 am
All the best to Arsenal
Ignatiuz Epem
Apr 9, 2015 at 7:23 am
Go on gunners
Mike Mada
Apr 9, 2015 at 7:52 am
…and yet Burnley lead the Fair Play League for their, well, fair play. Suggestions here that they are a ‘dirty’ team are unfounded, but they will tackle. This IS a big boys game, after all. That’s why they have done well against the bigger teams this season, who don’t, to quote Corporal Jones, ‘like it up ’em’. They will have learnt from the Emirates fixture that 1. They can stay with the bigger teams if they meet them head on for 90 minutes and 2. There’s nothing to fear in a game we will not be expected to get a sniff from. Teams seem to have a ‘bad’ day when they face us, but be aware, that’s because we stop the better sides playing their own game. That said, I don’t expect us to win, but I think we are running out of time for a last big ‘shock’ result this season. So this might be our day! UTC!
LIFE EYO
Apr 9, 2015 at 11:50 am
We most win in Jesus name up arsenal
Francis
Apr 9, 2015 at 2:52 pm
I trust my guys.. No Mata ao form burley is, arsenal wl beat them including chelsea. Up gunners.
Thomas Fitzgerald
Apr 9, 2015 at 5:26 pm
I wouldn’t have welbeck in the team I don’t rate him
Thomas Fitzgerald
Apr 9, 2015 at 5:28 pm
Wouldn’t have welbeck in the team he is way overrated
mbwale patrick
Apr 9, 2015 at 5:30 pm
Remember tht gud things comes once at a time therefore wenger should take those seven remain games seriously, he shldn’t undermine any of the team. All the best wenger and the entire team….
Erick Robert
Apr 9, 2015 at 5:47 pm
I love Arsenal.
This is my best 11 for Arsenal players when all our injuries are back and fit.
Ospina Bellerin Paulista Kon Monreal Coquelin Cazorla Ox Ozil Sanchez and Giroud.
Subs: Debuchy, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Welbeck and Walcot
shaffyabdury
Apr 9, 2015 at 9:21 pm
Gunners forever