Welcome back! It seems like an eternity since the previous post, but this week will surely fulfill that deep longing for quality soccer. We’ve gone through several iterations and styles of posts, especially last week, but I think you’ll enjoy this post’s straightforwardness. As always, let’s begin!
Manchester City celebrate 2023 Premier League win after taking over Arsenal late in the season (Website)
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Gameweek 8 was full of draws, both exciting and boring, however, the two most rewarding and impactful games were glorious victories for one team and devastating losses for their oppositions.
Perhaps the most anticipated game thus far in the season was the match between Manchester City, whom we have previously mentioned as the most prestigious squad of footballers worldwide, and Arsenal, the team on a mission to avenge last year’s season which was stolen by Manchester City (how fitting).
Arsenal’s star midfielder Gabriel Martinelli celebrating (Website)
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In the past, I have labeled games in many different ways, from “horribly frustrating” to “wildly entertaining.” This showdown between Man City and Arsenal was sublimely exquisite: nothing more, and certainly nothing less. It delivered in every way expected, and, unlike several other games this week, did not end in a draw. From the flurries of shots that broke the sound barrier (not exactly, but still seemingly inhumanely powerful) to the roar of the crowd whenever danger arose on either end of the pitch, up until the final whistle, it was an absolute dog fight. This strangulating tension no longer had people on the edge of their seats; they were falling off of them. For spans of several minutes, people dared to blink their eyes; while their eyelids were running a marathon, their eyes were locked on Erling Haaland, the man who many placed their bets on to score the game-winner. Despite the grueling onslaught of opportunities through the first 80 minutes, neither party, including the fans were rewarded with a breakthrough. It wasn’t until Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal, a man expected to miss the game due to injury, was subbed in by Michael Arteta. Making a historic mark, it being the second “shot heard round the world,” with the assistance of a deflection, Martinelli buried the ball in the back of the net in the 86th minute, dethroning Manchester City from the top of the Premier League. The 1-0 victory puts Arsenal second in the Premier League which leaves you asking: who is first then? Funny you ask.
Edging out Luton Town 1-0 on Saturday, the Spurs watched intently as the game between Arsenal and Manchester City raged on. As the dust settled, and the league headed into another international break, Tottenham fans could have been heard chanting and screaming in celebration as they took their seat at the peak of the Premier League.
After losing Harry Kane, one of the league’s all-time best after he was signed to Bayern Munich, a German club, many questioned whether Spurs would perform better or worse than their 8th place finish of last season. Now that they have surpasses all expectations and sit at the top of the league, many question whether Harry Kane’s departure was a blessing in disguise. Only time will tell.
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I’m curious to see where the remainder of this season heads, as the Spurs and Arsenal sit atop the league. Though a fiery rivalry still exists between the two, I think both teams’ fans are pleased with the current standings.
Until next time!
Hi William! I always love coming back to your blog every week because I enjoy soccer so much, but can’t seem to find the time to actually watch it. Manchester city has had a rough week! I’m sure they’ll be doing plenty of line runs at their next practice. I wonder if the Spurs can maintain their spot at the top of the league.