Arsenal given huge incentive as Tottenham fall apart

The logical section of football supporters would know that getting worked up over the results of one week when there are a whole 15 left to play is an unhealthy waste of time. Arsenal will experience their fair share of highs and lows, just like the rest.

Seeing off Brentford with a commanding home performance rightly had everyone in high spirits over the weekend, emotions that was dampened by Tottenham’s impressive 3-2 win at Manchester City.

That was supposed to be a banker. A conclusive three points for the reigning champions. Victory that would have moved Arsenal six points clear of their bitterest rivals. So, as much as the focus is on taking care of our own garden, it was hard not to be slightly demoralised by the outcome.

But it’s just one game. One weekend’s results in a sea of outcomes before the season’s tide comes in.

Arsenal given huge incentive vs Wolves as Tottenham fall apart with Antonio Conte pleading to be sacked after appalling defeat away to Burnley

Burnley brought a smile to everyone’s face.

On the day before the 14-year anniversary of Tottenham’s last trophy triumph, Antonio Conte’s side were outplayed in Lancashire to a team who’d won only two of their previous 22 Premier League outings, slumping to a 1-0 defeat. They’ve lost four of their previous five matches. Beating the best team, arguably in the world, before losing to one of the weakest in the division is a degree of Tottenham that only Giorgio Chiellini could aptly chronicle.

Incredibly, it actually gets better. Conte spoke after the game effectively pleading to be sacked. Remarkable words from the prince of drama. He doused himself with verbal petrol and handed someone else a lit match. Seeing the downfall is spectacular entertainment, and a substantial turnaround from the glum feelings endured after an Etihad scalp.

Over in Europe Manchester United were dreadful for 80% of their 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid. Hopefully they can squeeze their way past them in the second leg to clog their calendar up further. West Ham are falling away, and only one team looks up for the fight.

That team just so happens to be Arsenal’s opponents on Thursday.

It’s pure bliss basking in the downfall of one’s rivals. A schadenfreude bettered only by one’s personal successes. Which is why it’s time to make matters count. Victory over Wolves will hand Mikel Arteta’s side a six point cushion over Spurs, move them five points ahead of Wolves with a game in hand, three points ahead of West Ham with two games in hand, and one point behind Man Utd with two games in hand.

There are opportunities, and then there are opportunities. Arsenal didn’t need any further incentive to beat Bruno Lage’s side but they’ve been handed it. This isn’t just entertainment to absorb, events at Turf Moor are prime real estate. Tough fixtures await, including three in six days across March, while away trips to Chelsea and Spurs are still to be rearranged.

An opening has presented itself for Arsenal to move within a point of the top four with two games spare on the side above them. And, crucially, keep those below them at arm’s length.

As much as the three points is all that matters, a performance that shows how much the players understand the situation will give everyone a boost. However, the position Arsenal find themselves in also brings with it additional pressure. How they harness further Premier League failings of those around them will be fascinating to witness.

Key of all, though, is not letting this slip.