Arsenal’s perfect result sets up gigantic six days

As Arsenal prepared to face Leicester they were looking at a bizarre situation in the Premier League where they’d played less than two thirds of their matches this season, whereas Manchester United have played three quarters or theirs.

The Gunners have played a full four fewer games than the Red Devils after events on Saturday, those which fell perfectly their way.

Tottenham made the journey to Old Trafford knowing a victory would do wonders for their top four aspirations as it would have moved them two points above United with two games in hand.

There was some interesting debate around what result best suited Arsenal: was it a home win or a draw? Well, whatever one feels was best, the overall outcome on Saturday seemed the most welcome because, for the most part, United were painfully average.

Manchester United 3-2 Tottenham: Arsenal’s perfect result sets up gigantic six days in the Premier League starting with Leicester

When a poor team wins by relying on a hat-trick from a 37-year-old and the occasional brilliance of Jadon Sancho it becomes evident how limited they are.

Indeed, for large spells of the match Manchester United were uninspired, easily ran through in midfield and bypassed in their press. Tottenham weren’t exactly sparkling but momentum always seemed to be in their stride. Their equaliser and inevitable winner was on the tip of the tongue.

The quality on show from both teams was painful at times. Based on what was dished up, whether it be United at home or Tottenham away still to come on the fixture list, Arsenal will back themselves for a result.

Still, with the Emirates Stadium right behind them, it’s the United game that is distinctly more winnable. It’s less so the case for an away league fixture not won for eight years.

What this does for the table is give Arsenal close to equal breathing space over both sides. With Tottenham having the easier run-in on paper and at least a moderately successful gameplan when opposition sides try to press them, they’re the side who logic dictates should be most feared. Whatever one may think of them they have finished above Arsenal every season since 2016.

This is a result that, should Arsenal execute their side of the bargain and beat Leicester, means any defeat to Liverpool is not detrimental to the season. The margin for error on both teams is there.

But it’s in the Gunners’ hands now. It has been all season long and when the opportunities arose to capitalise on their rivals’ dropping points they maintained the consistency needed to win those games.

A gigantic six days await against three sides who’ve come into form at all the wrong times. While Liverpool is the standout fixture, heading to Villa Park 64 hours after that will be no mean feat.

However, the cards keep falling Arsenal’s way with results around them. They’ve been offered an invitation, it would be rude not to oblige.