Big games are difficult for everybody

Big games are difficult for everybody

The media loves to remind us of our recent struggles against the “big sides” but they also fail to point out the records of other clubs in those big clashes.

I also think that the team has been getting better in the big games recently - without getting the right results.

The much talked Barcelona defeat of last season was preceded by a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.

This season we have already played Man City, Man U , Liverpool and Chelsea away.

We beat Man City comfortably and got a draw at Liverpool. The defeat at Chelsea was unlucky for me. I really think that we matched Chelsea for the whole game but conceded at the wrong times. Remember Ray Wilkins saying that “Arsenal had us running scared” ?

The only disappointing game was the Man U game but again a goal just before half time changed the complexion of the game. I thought the first-half was evenly played out but Man U was stronger in the second half.

It is still not easy to face your rivals. For instance, were you aware that Man U have not beaten Chelsea for 8 years at Stamford Bridge? Yes. That is 8 years.

How many times have you heard the media brandish that fact? Did you know that Arsenal won twice at Stamford Bridge during the same period and have the best record for an away side at Chelsea’s ground in recent times?

Saying that we struggle in big games is probably right if you bear in mind the last couple of years only. But why should Wenger’s record be restricted to the last couple of years only?

How many times have you heard that Spurs (prior to the recent Emirates win) did not win at the ground of either Chelsea, Arsenal, Man U or Liverpool for the past 17 years?

And why don’t we hear more about Man U fearing Chelsea or their “lack of bottle” for not winning at Chelsea’s ground for nearly a decade?