The classic Arsenal curse : 3 weeks turned to 3 months.
There are fates worse than death. I didn't believe it at first, but
where there is smoke there is fire. IIRC Arsenal were five points clear in 2007/8 prior to Eduardo's injury in February. United went on to win.
Arsenal will be 1st in the New Year, and this happens to Jesus of all players. Brutality at its finest. It almost as if someone sat on a throne and said,
finish him fatality like with the sudden injuries of Van Persie or Fabregas whenever Arsenal started to gain momentum.
Don't get me wrong, it was never going to be a
flawless victory, hurdles are to be expected in a title winning season
. But then you think of Leicester and Liverpool's EPL triumph and they were relatively imperious from getting injuries. With the upcoming transfer window, it will be imperative that you not only flex your muscles, but
test your might.
We saw last season that Arteta had unequivocal belief in the system, as exemplified by his persistent mention of expected goals and dominating possession. In that respect, he's fully adapted the mindset
we are many, you are but one.
Like many before him, he creates an us vs them mentality, to the point he was convinced any defeat was the work of referees or bad luck. With Jesus' absence its an opportunity to adopt a similar mindset by rallying the troops, adopting a warlike mentality as shown in the Amazon documentary, and take vengeance at the powers at be. I imagine his battle cry will sound like
vengeance will be mine.
Arsenal shouldn't panic, yes City are a formidable opponent, but fundamentally nothing changes. Arsenal still need to fight. They need to treat every game like its a final. Arsenal used to win games in the tunnel by having a fearful presence. The same needs to happen, gaze into the eyes of your opponent with the mentality,
fear me this fight will be your last.