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Premiership: Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers - Preview

/noticias.info/ By Richard Clarke

It was the lowest ebb of an otherwise historic season.

Blackburn arrived at Highbury on December 13, 1997 as Premiership also-rans, while Arsenal were fringe title candidates. The form book suggested a home win but in fact the Lancashire side ran out worthy 3-1 winners.

The immediate aftermath was distressing. It was the last game before
Christmas and Arsenal went into the watershed down in sixth place and 13
points behind leaders Manchester United. There were even doubts raised over
the suitability of Arsène Wenger, who had been in the Highbury hot-seat for
14 months.

In fact the game served to galvanise his Arsenal side. Famously the players’
Christmas party proved pivotal. That night an ‘entente cordial’ was reached
between the English and French elements in the side. Subsequently, Arsenal
stayed unbeaten until the title was secured on May 3. They later added the
FA Cup for good measure. Arsenal’s second ever 'double' sprang from a home
defeat to Blackburn just before Christmas.

On Saturday, the fixture computer has thrown up the same game at the same
time. To add to the coincidence, Wenger’s side are fourth, some 14 points
adrift of Manchester United once more. The manager could do without the same
result but does see similarities in the predicament his side find themselves
in right now.

“The situation is comparable to 1998,” said the manager on Friday. “I have
the same feeling because the team gelled in confidence and belief then
suddenly the results became naturally.

“We had our ups and downs even more in 1998 than now. I remember we were
very low that night and even I would not have told you we would have won a
'double'. Maybe this Blackburn game can be the start that can make us
[repeat] 1998. I feel the situation is comparable so let's make sure the end
is comparable.”

Back then Arsenal were chasing Manchester United, who had created
Premiership dynasty during the 1990s. Although Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are
top right now, it is Chelsea who are chasing down a third straight title.

In 1998, Wenger’s remodelled side proved they could compete with a seemingly
superior foe. The manager argues that this year’s model have already shown
they can compete with the top two. From now on the key will be consistency.

“All I can say is that when we played against Manchester United or against
Chelsea we did not feel [inferior],” he said. “I felt two years ago when we
played against Chelsea that they would be champions. I always thought they
would be difficult to stop.

“But we should not have any complex [this year]. For a neutral observer who
was at our games with Manchester United and Chelsea, you could not say there
was a huge difference between the two teams.

“At the same time I agree that we have not capitalised on the other teams
like Chelsea or Manchester United have done.

“This season has been frustrating because we feel there has been a
disconnection between the way we play and the points we have got.

“We feel when we play against the so-called strong sides, we are at their
level and we do not suffer a lot - even without major players sometimes.
That is why at the moment we have frustrations, but also a lot of hope.”

Speaking of major players, Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg (both hamstring)
and William Gallas (thigh) are still out. Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) joined the
injured list this week so Justin Hoyte will come in.

Tomas Rosicky is back after his hamstring injury and may start the game. notas_de_prensa_archivo