Arsenal overcame a 2-0 deficit at home to beat Bournemouth 3-2 in the latest round of Premier League fixtures. The Gunners remain atop the league table, five points ahead of their closest challengers, Manchester City. The North London side are building a reputation for coming back from improbable situations, having collected a league-high 15 points from losing positions. With 12 games of the Premier League season remaining it stands to be determined if the league’s “comeback kings” can see off their rivals and call themselves champions. If they do, then there should be no question that their resilience will have helped them claim the title.
Arsenal’s Comeback Victories Could Be the Key to Winning the Title
A winner so late it even caught out our graphic! 😅
THIS. TEAM. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h73gY16fFC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 4, 2023
Arsenal 3-2 Manchester United
The Gunners’ first stoppage-time victory of the season came against Manchester United in January. United had taken the lead early through a brilliant solo goal from Marcus Rashford, but Arsenal responded quickly through Eddie Nketiah. Bukayo Saka found the back of the net in the second half to give them the lead. Despite Lisandro Martinez’s equalizer shortly thereafter, Mikel Arteta’s side piled on the pressure.
The Gunners enjoyed 65% possession in the second half, most of which came after the scores were level. They outplayed Erik ten Hag’s side in every single department and the relentless pressure eventually led to the winning goal from Nketiah in the dying minutes of the game. The victory against Ten Hag’s United, who were in third place at the time, could prove to be one of the biggest results for the Gunners this campaign if they can claim the title at the end of the season.
Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal
Arsenal went to Villa Park in February after a humbling loss at home to Manchester City, without their midfield dynamo, Thomas Partey. With only 30 minutes left in the game, summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko equalized for the Gunners to make it 2-2. As was the case against Manchester United, they kept possession and forced their opponents into mistakes. Moreover, Partey’s replacement, Jorginho came up with the long-range shot in the 93rd minute, which bounced off former Arsenal man Emiliano Martinez and rolled into the goal. After suffering defeat to second-place City just days prior, the Villa result helped the Gunners get back to winning ways, especially as City drew that same weekend with Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth
Arsenal’s most recent comeback victory came against Bournemouth last week. The Cherries doubled their lead in the 57th minute through a Marcos Senesi header, but the Gunners responded almost instantly. They were on level terms within 13 minutes, thanks to goals from Partey and Ben White.
The North London side had season-highs in possession (81%), total shots (31) and corners (17) as they strangled the relegation newly-promoted side. In the end, Arteta’s substitutions proved decisive as Reiss Nelson provided the assist for White’s goal and scored the eventual winner. The Englishman scored a volley off his weaker foot with the last kick of the game, sending the home fans into pandemonium. With title rivals City managing a big result against Newcastle United, grabbing the late winner will have allowed Gunner’s fans to breathe a sigh of relief as they maintain their five-point cushion at the top of the table.
Key Factors Behind Their Comebacks
The combination of youthful hunger and experience has made the Gunners a formidable team and has revitalised the fanbase. The signings of Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko in the summer, not only added quality to the squad but also gave the team a championship mentality. Adding Jorginho has brought a further calming influence to the side as well as a solid option if Partey is ever out of action. Additionally, Arteta’s man management and timely substitutions have proved to be a key factor in Arsenal’s success.
When comparing the North London club’s 15 points from losing positions with City’s 7 points, it’s clear to see that the Gunners wouldn’t be where they are right now without these points. Therefore, the resiliency and determination shown by the young squad could prove to be vital in the title race. With a crucial set of games coming ahead, Arsenal fans all over the world will be hoping that their team continues on the same path of success albeit perhaps from more winning positions rather than comeback victories.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
