I DON’T know why but I’m always so surprised how upset fans - and now managers - of so-called bigger teams get when they don’t get their own way against Burnley.
It seems like for the last couple of seasons that the social media whinging begins within seconds of a side not getting the result they wanted against us.
Usually it’s fans on Twitter saying they’d love to see us get relegated because we’re a boring side who plays boring football.
Occasionally it’s complaining about how we like to rough other teams up.
Now, it’s an opposition manager moaning that the grass is too long and pitch is too dry.
Yes, that’s the feeble and – quite frankly – embarrassing excuse Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gave for his side not walking away with their now customary win over the Clarets.
Aside from the fact that the Premier League has strict rules over the length of the grass and that it had been raining for the few days before Sunday’s game, it just comes across as desperate.
And maybe that’s what he is. He’s mustered one win since taking over as Gunners boss and, apart from a couple of early chances which really could/should have put his side ahead, a win at the Turf never really looked likely.
If anything, we were probably the most aggrieved not to snatch all three points after a very impressive display.
After weathering that early pressure we stepped up the tempo and really took the game to Arsenal, putting pressure on their backline and stifling them as an attacking threat.
It was one of those performances that really makes you wonder why we’ve struggled so badly at times this season.
Jay Rodriguez was just millimetres from giving us all three points when his shot crashed against the crossbar and then the line before bouncing away and that would have been no less than we deserved.
He knows he should have buried that chance but you can get your last pound that he won’t be taking up his grievances with the Turf Moor groundsman!
That draw made it three unbeaten in the Premier League and has helped push away any thoughts of a relegation battle for now.
The winter break this weekend has probably come at the right time because we’ve got another important run of games, starting at Southampton on Saturday week.
Every position in the Premier League is up for grabs from second down so I hope we can recharge and carry on where we’ve left off!
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel