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Trip to Hull begins Arsenal’s race to the line
The Gunners are in third place in the Premier League, two points behind leader Manchester United and level with Chelsea, and travel to Hull City today, the first game in a nine-match run-in that looks easier than both United’s and Chelsea’s.
They are poised on the shoulders of their rivals as the home straight looms but this is definitely not the time to stutter.
Only four of Arsenal’s remaining games are against sides currently in the top half of the table with the potential dangers lurking away to Tottenham Hotspur and at home to Manchester City, both of whom are scrapping for fourth spot.
“I feel that we know we are going into a period where every game is vital,” manager Arsene Wenger, looking for his first silverware since 2005, said after watching Nicklas Bendtner score a hat-trick against Porto.
Arsenal are unlikely to have Fabregas back for the trip to Hull where last season he was charged with improper conduct following an FA Cup tie in which he also did not play.
The Spaniard, who was also accused by Hull manager Phil Brown of spitting at his assistant Brian Horton, was rated at 50-50 for the trip to Yorkshire because of a hamstring strain.
But with Samir Nasri in scintillating form and Sol Campbell a reassuring rock at the back, Arsenal are buoyant.
Champion United is at home to Fulham on Sunday but with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all still to play boss Alex Ferguson will remind his players they have little margin for error as they chase a 19th English league title.
United thrashed AC Milan 4-0 on Wednesday in the Champions League with Wayne Rooney adding another two goals to his incredible season after missing last week’s 1-0 win at Wolves.
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