Why Every Other Prem Club Wants Arsenal to Bottle It
In the thrilling world of English football, where every point counts and every game matters, there's an intriguing dynamic at play. As Arsenal navigates the title race, it seems that the rest of the Premier League is, for some reason, rooting against them. But why? Is it mere schadenfreude, or is there a more complex web of motivations at play? Let's delve into the minds of these clubs and explore the reasons behind their apparent desire for Arsenal's downfall.
The Emery Effect
Unai Emery, the former Arsenal manager, has a unique connection to Aston Villa. After his successful stint at Villarreal, he returned to English football and led Villa to consistent European contention. Now, if Arsenal were to stumble and fail to win the Premier League, it could be seen as a validation of Emery's abilities. In the eyes of Villa fans, it might suggest that Emery wasn't as out of his depth at Arsenal as some believed. While this might not be a popular opinion, it's a fascinating perspective on the dynamics of football management.
Kepa-based Revenge
Bournemouth has a score to settle with Arsenal over the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Cherries were grateful for Kepa's services while on loan, but Arsenal's decision to sign him as their backup goalkeeper was a blow to Bournemouth. The club could rightly feel aggrieved, especially after Arsenal's recent victory over them, which marked the league leaders' first loss in months. For Bournemouth, seeing Kepa succeed at Arsenal could be a form of revenge, even if it means seeing him win a title with their rivals.
Norgaard-based Revenge
Brentford, on the other hand, has a more personal reason to want Arsenal to stumble. The club lost their captain, Christian Norgaard, to Arsenal in the summer. Norgaard, a key player for Brentford, has yet to start a league game for the Gunners. While Brentford has defied the doubters, the loss of Norgaard could leave a bitter taste in their mouths. The club might wonder if they could have achieved more with their captain, and the sight of him warming the bench at Arsenal could be a source of lingering bitterness.
The Hurzeler Tears
Fabian Hurzeler, the Brighton boss, had a public spat with Arsenal over their time-wasting tactics. While Hurzeler later apologized, his initial complaints highlighted a deeper issue. If Arsenal were to win the Premier League, it might be seen as a validation of their cautious approach. For Hurzeler, who favors a more attacking style, this could be a double-edged sword. While he might not want Arsenal to win, he also doesn't want to see them succeed through tactics that go against his philosophy.
A Trafford Windfall
Burnley, on the brink of relegation, has an obvious reason to want to cause an upset. If they could pull off a great escape, they'd have an obvious reason to cheer on Arsenal's rivals. Additionally, there are reports of add-ons in the deal that sent James Trafford to Manchester City. If Arsenal were to win the title, it could potentially trigger these add-ons, providing a financial windfall for Burnley.
Because It's Arsenal
Chelsea, it seems, has a general dislike for Arsenal. If Arteta were to win the title with a team of Stamford Bridge outcasts, it might lead to an obsessive pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho. Chelsea's rivalry with Arsenal could be a driving force behind their desire to see Arsenal stumble.
Trophy Banter
Crystal Palace, with games against both title contenders, has a unique perspective. They've sold players to both City and Arsenal, and their FA Cup success last summer was a source of joy. If Arsenal were to fail, it would provide Palace with a reason to boast about their recent trophy success. The club could take pride in being the only team to have beaten Arsenal in a domestic cup competition this season.
Arteta Rejection
Everton, under David Moyes, has made significant progress this season. If they had signed Arteta in 2019, their trajectory might have been different. The club could wonder what could have been, especially after Arteta's success at Arsenal. The sight of Arteta winning the title with their rivals might be a bitter pill to swallow for Everton fans.
Another Three Points
Fulham, currently in the bottom half, is just three points away from a potential Conference League berth. A win against Arsenal could ensure they have something to play for over the last few weeks of the season, rather than merely ambling to their usual mid-table finish. It's a chance to inject some excitement into their campaign.
Humiliations and Haaland
Leeds United, with a strong record against some of the bigger teams, has a unique perspective. Arsenal, with an aggregate scoreline of 9-0, is arguably the only team to have completely outclassed Leeds this season. The bond between Erling Haaland and Leeds could sway the Elland Road faithful towards rooting for City. The prospect of Haaland winning a title with City might be too tempting for Leeds fans to ignore.
Pep-beating Pride
Liverpool, the only team other than City to have won the league in the last eight years, has a special place in Premier League history. While they've had a disappointing season, failing to defend their title, they can take pride in being the only team to have toppled City. The sight of City winning the title might be a bitter pill to swallow for Liverpool fans, but it's a testament to their resilience.
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Manchester City, the reigning champions, seems to be immune to the desire for Arsenal to bottle it. City's humility and focus on their own success might be a reason for their indifference. However, it's worth noting that City's dominance in recent years has made them a formidable force, and their rivals might be too intimidated to root against them.
Bragging Rights
Manchester United, City's local rivals, has a complex relationship with Arsenal. While they wouldn't celebrate City winning the title, they've historically had a tense relationship with Arsenal. United, having won the league more recently than Arsenal, might find it difficult to root for their rivals. The sight of City lifting the trophy could be a distraction from their own long wait for a league title.
Tonali Payback
Newcastle United, with their ongoing tension with Arsenal, has a unique perspective. The club's efforts to fight back against state-owned clubs like City and Arsenal might be seen as a form of payback. The sight of Arsenal struggling could be a source of satisfaction for Newcastle fans, especially after their 96th-minute winner against them in September.
Edu Ache
Nottingham Forest, under Edu, has had a bleak hit rate with signings. The club's previous job, of course, was at Arsenal. The sight of Arsenal winning the title could be a reminder of their past failures and a source of discomfort for Forest fans. The club might wonder if they could have achieved more with their signings.
The Win Drought
Sunderland, having returned to the top flight, still hasn't beaten Arsenal in the league since November 2009. The club's win drought against Arsenal is a source of frustration, and the sight of Arsenal winning the title could be a bitter pill to swallow. The club might wonder if they could have achieved more in their return to the Premier League.
Erm...
Tottenham Hotspur, with their mutual hatred for Arsenal, has a unique perspective. If Spurs were to suffer relegation, they'd want to avoid the sight of Arsenal winning the title. The club's mutual hatred means that each will celebrate the other's shortcomings. The prospect of Arsenal winning the league, especially after Spurs' struggles this season, could be a source of satisfaction for Spurs fans.
The Meme
West Ham United, with their own trophy meme, has a unique perspective. While they want to avoid the 'Declan Rice trophy meme' being destroyed, they also have something to play for. West Ham, with Premier League survival on the line, might hope to take points off Arsenal. The sight of Arsenal winning the title could be a source of motivation for West Ham fans.
Pushing Them Close
Wolves, on the brink of relegation, has a unique perspective. The club gave Arsenal a game in both of their meetings this season, and the sight of Arsenal winning the title could be a bitter pill to swallow. The club might wonder if they could have achieved more, and the prospect of Arsenal's success could be a source of frustration for Wolves fans.
