I sometimes wonder what is going on in Mikel Arteta’s mind. The Spaniard- considered something of a Svengali figure by a portion of the Arsenal faithful- must be sweating on Champions League qualification.
Gunners shocked by Cherries ahead of crunch Champions League tie
Why on earth did he field an essentially full-strength side this weekend? Aretea made only two changes to the side that laboured to a 1-0 home defeat to PSG last week (one of those enforced due to Jurrien Timber’s injury). You wouldn’t have guessed that Arteta was playing a strong lineup, as Bournemouth mounted an impressive comeback to win 2-1 at the Emirates (completing the league double over the faltering Gunners). In the meantime, Luis Enrique rung the changes as PSG- already crowned Ligue A champs- lost to Strasbourg in a meaningless fixture. Arteta must be worried about that Champions League spot. City, Newcastle and Chelsea now sit within four points of Arsenal. Additionally, Arteta’s next two fixtures are Liverpool away- where they must swallow their pride for a guard of honour- and Newcastle at home. Still, their final match of the season is at home to Southampton! This week’s clash with PSG is arguably the most important match in Arsenal’s recent history. I don’t understand why he couldn’t rest a few key men (Rice and Saka). Also, the defeat has probably just dented their collective confidence ahead of their trip to Paris. Can you imagine the uproar if they go out in lifeless fashion this week?
Bayern win record-extending 34th German title
Fans of Die Roten went through an absolute rollercoaster of emotions this weekend. Vincent Kompany’s side knew that three points at RB Leipzig would guarantee them the title. But Marco Rose’s side had other ideas, taking the game to Bayern and going into the break with a 2-0 lead. Benjamin Sesko gave the Puskas voters something to think about in the 11th minute, finding the back of an unguarded net with the outside of his right foot (he was 40 yards out!). Klostermann doubled the lead in the 39th minute. Kompany’s side came out with authority in the 2nd stanza, with Eric Dier- who is enjoying a wonderful late-season renaissance- heading one back in the 62nd minute. Michael Olise- Bayern’s find of the season- equalized shortly thereafter. Leroy Sane then sent the travelling fans into rapture, rifling one home in the 83rd minute to put the title within touching distance.
There was, however, a final twist in the tale, as Christian Poulsen scored with virtually the final kick in the game to put a damper on Bayern’s celebrations. They needn’t have worried, as Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen could only manage a 2-2 draw at Freiburg yesterday, guaranteeing Bayern the title. The win also ensured that English goal-scoring phenom Harry Kane now owns a piece of major silverware. For most Bayern managers, winning a title isn’t necessarily a cause for an uproarious celebration: I think this is slightly different. Bayern were humbled by Xabi Alonso last year and Kompany arrived amidst plenty of skepticism. I think it’s impressive that he was able to usurp Alonso- arguably the most talented young manager in European football- at the first time of asking.
Spanish giants win ahead of vital Clasico
Barcelona were in a tough position ahead of their trip to Real Valladolid (who are already relegated). They had a four-point lead in the title race but knew that any slip-up could give Los Blancos hope ahead of the final Clasico of the season. But Flick probably felt a need to rest key players after an exhausting 3-3 Champions League draw with Inter on Wednesday night. So, Flick took the brave decision, making nine changes to the side. And it backfired in the first half, as Valladolid took a surprise 1-0 lead into halftime. Flick- who had already brought on Lamine Yamal in the first half after Dani Rodriguez’s injury- was proactive at the break, bringing on the electric Raphinha to shake things up. And Barca got their just desserts, as the Brazilian pounced onto a loose ball to fire in the equalizer in the 54th minute. Fermin Lopez completed the comeback, latching on to a deadly Gerard Martin cross to sweep home the winner on the hour mark. All in all, Flick will be delighted with the fact that he was able to rotate his squad and get out of jail with the win.
Real Madrid knew that they had to beat Celta Vigo if they wished to keep their faint hopes of retaining the title alive. And it turned out to be a tough assignment from the start, with Courtois making a series of fantastic stops. But it was Real who broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, as the mesmeric Arda Guler hit an absolute peach to give Los Blancos the lead. The Turkish wizard turned provider in the 39th minute, using his high football IQ to set Mbappe on his way in a swift counterattack (Mbappe duly finished). Real looked set to cruise to victory in the 2nd, with the French marksman scoring their 3rd in the 48th minute. But the fragile Real defence was once again exposed, as Celta scored twice in seven minutes to set up a nervy finish for Ancelotti’s men. They barely held on in what was a performance that served a microcosm of their whole campaign. The will travel to the Nou Camp next week knowing that nothing short of a win will virtually hand Barca the La Liga title.
Napoli and Inter grind out 1-0 wins
This wasn’t a week for challenging stereotypes about Italian football, with both title protagonists clung on for gritty 1-0 wins. Napoli extended their Serie A win streak to nine matches with a gutsy 1-0 win at relegation-threatened Lecce. Conte’s side thought they had taken the lead in the 2nd minute, as Lukaku forced the ball into the net in a scrappy incident. The goal was ruled out for offside, but they didn’t need to wait long for the breakthrough, with Raspadori firing home a close-range free kick midway through the half. To their credit, Marco Giampaolo’s men showed plenty of grit form that point on, hitting the crossbar while having a penalty appeal denied despite Spinazzola’s obvious handball. Conte’s men held on to temporarily take themselves seven points clear. Conte needs to keep the side’s focus intact as Naples prepares for the biggest party of the year (no city parties like Naples when it comes to football). Inter also lacked fluidity this weekend, hosting a struggling Hellas Verona side while keeping one eye on that all-important clash with Barca. The only goal of the game came from the penalty spot, with Albanian midfielder Kristjan Asllani duly slotting home in the first half.
Player of the Week- Arda Guler
I think the 20-year-old Turkish playmaker was exceptional against Celta Vigo this weekend. He was a menace throughout, whether he was cutting in from that right-hand side or drifting into David Silva-type areas. He scored a blinder to get Real going and channeled Mezut Ozil with that assist for Mbappe’s first goal. He knitted play together expertly, completing 62/62 passes! I think he will be getting appreciatively more gametime next season.
