Arsenal is firmly back in the race to finish fourth in the English Premier League after demolishing Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham.
Those unexpected victories came after a run of three consecutive defeats. The Gunners’ fans are now confident their team can stay ahead of North London rival Tottenham.
After 34 matches, Arsenal has 63 points, two ahead of Tottenham. Manchester United is sixth with 58 after 36 games. West Ham is seventh on 52 points after 35 fixtures.
“The last international break (March 21-29) saw several key Arsenal players suffer injuries,” said Kuckreja & Co brand manager and diehard Gunner, Allan Netto.
“That halted our winning momentum, and we suffered losses to Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Southampton.
“But we bounced back to beat Chelsea, Manchester United, and West Ham. That gives us a confidence boost. Arsenal should secure fourth place, but we also face Tottenham (May 13, 2.45am).
“That will be a tricky game.”
Another Gunner, Engku Isyamuddin Tuan Losin, 48, is also quietly confident Arsenal can shoot down Tottenham’s chances.
“Looking at the remaining fixtures, the race to fourth will be close. But if Arsenal plays its best football, I do not see why it cannot remain in fourth,” said the businessman.
“From now until the season ends, we have to be perfect. Any slip-ups would allow Tottenham and the chasing pack to take advantage.”
Pahang Rangers media manager Muhammad Aiman Aminul admitted he had given up hope of finishing in the top four on April 16.
That was after Arsenal lost 1-0 to Southampton.
“I thought a top-four place was over after we lost three consecutive matches.
“I thought it would take another season or two before we can think about qualifying for the Champions League again,” said Aiman.
“But after winning our last three games, I am convinced fourth place is ours. We only have Tottenham to fight off as United is five points behind, having played two games more.
“The May 13 match will be the decider. Arsenal’s only weakness is that it does not have adequate reserves. (Mikel) Arteta has to rely on the same set of players for each match.
“On their day, the players can beat teams like Real Madrid, but they can also lose to Norwich. That is frustrating.
“I hope the real Arsenal steps up against Spurs.”
Arsenal faces relegation-threatened Leeds on Sunday (9pm) while Tottenham travels to Anfield to meet title-chasing Liverpool on the same day (2.45am).
League leaders, Manchester City, smarting after throwing away a two-goal lead in the final minutes of its Champions League semifinal, hosts Newcastle on Sunday (11.30pm).
FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
Brentford vs Southampton (10pm)
Burnley vs Aston Villa (10pm)
Chelsea vs Wolves (10pm)
Crystal Palace vs Watford (10pm)
SUNDAY
Brighton vs Manchester United (12.30am)
Liverpool vs Tottenham (2.45am)
Norwich vs West Ham (9pm)
Leicester vs Everton (9pm)
Arsenal vs Leeds (9pm)
Manchester City vs Newcastle (11.30pm)
