ARE ARSENAL TITLE CONTENDERS OR PRETENDERS?

The Arsenal FC game against Bournemouth at the Emirate stadium is one that brings about loads of questions. One is how they literally fell short in the opening 9 seconds of the game, but then along the line in the game they were able to fight back from a two goal deficit to lead 3-2. The comeback is a sight of a true title contender, but then we can't totally overlook how they conceded so cheaply.

The goal they conceded went on to be the second fastest goal in Premier League history, and I believe such shouldn't be a thing to concede by an alleged title contender; such a team ought to be on their toes right from the first seconds to the end. Arsenal were lucky to end up winning the game in the end, given the way Bournemouth defended so well.

Although these games raise loads of eyeballs again in terms of the officiation and VAR significance in the match, Bournemouth had nothing less than five handballs against them in their box 18, and Arsenal weren't even awarded any penalties. It's such a disgrace, and given how consistently the officials have ruined Arsenal's games, I doubt they even wanted Arsenal to win the trophy at all.

We've seen this week in weekout, and at the end of the day, when the worst is done and a costly point is lost, the officials will come out and start tendering an apology that won't restore the loss point. Well, I guess Arsenal will just need to up their game and put in more effort both in defense and in the final third.

Overall, everyone did pretty well in the game, although Tomiyasu had a terrible game to remember but was immediately replaced at halftime, and the game experienced a good turnaround. The introduction of Nelson and Ben White was a good call by Arteta, and the two substitutes went on to win the game for Arsenal with their goals alongside that of Thomas Partey.

There are 12 games to go and loads of high-profile games that are yet to be played, but regardless of which team Arsenal plays against, I think they need to take each game seriously without relenting with the mindset that no team is less of a threat than the other. Anything can happen, so whoever wants the title must be decisive in each of the remaining games going forward.

We need not forget that Manchester City are chasing us down, and with just a 5-point difference, one mustn't joke with any game. Also, we will still face the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, to name a few, and these games won't be in any way easy. I hope we come out victorious and win the title on the long run.

NB: The image use is a screenshot from the official premier League app, Also, I make use of Quillbot's grammar checker features to correct some of my grammatical and punctuation errors after writing my content by myself.

Thanks so much for reading, have a blessed day ahead.