6 Games That Cost Arsenal The Double

Southampton 2 - Arsenal 2

In another exciting encounter Arsenal let their opposition back into the game too quickly. Having banished a dismal first half Arsenal struck twice in 5 minutes to take the lead early in the second half.

Whilst still celebrating going ahead they neglected their defensive duties and allowed Southampton to equalise within a minute. Both teams could have gone on to win the game but a lack in concentration cost Arsenal two more points.

Extra points - +2 (+6)

Arsenal 0 - Manchester United 0

Arsenal played this game as though they had realised there was no longer anything to fear from United but despite having the lion's share of the chances they could not breakdown a stubborn Manchester United. Laurent Koscielny's header, Olivier Giroud's near-post flick and two Santi Cazorla drives could have won Arsenal the game but none could convert.

A lack of incision cost Arsenal once again and without Ramsey to make runs into the box Giroud was largely unsupported. With a little support from the midfield in Ramsey's absence, Giroud might have had a better game but even without the support he had a great chance to convert a low Sagna cross but squandered the chance.

Extra points - +2 (+8)

Arsenal 2 - Swansea 2

What a cruel game. Arsenal went 1-0 down in the first half when Vermaelen allowed Bony to get a run and leap on him but battled back and scored twice in quick succession to take a 2-1 lead with 15 minutes left.

Arsenal looked to be taking all three points when fate struck a cruel blow and saw a decent Szczesny save ricochet off Flamini's leg and trickle into the net. It was one of those goals nothing could be done about but the build up to the goal could have been prevented. With mere moments left on the clock the Arsenal midfield allowed Leon Britton to burst through them and take the shot that forced the goal.

Sloppy passing, turning over of possession and a lack of concentration in the final 5 minutes gave Swansea the nod and the impetus to keep driving at us and Arsenal paid dearly.

Extra points - +2 (+10)

Of course, had Arsenal not lost to City, Liverpool and Chelsea they would have gained a similar amount of points but these are freak results. Some would argue that three games like that in a season is a pattern not freak occurrences and it is hard to argue in many respects. However, the pattern is more about how Arsenal start games and that is something that has been seen in many games, not just these ones - the FA Cup final included, and how they respond. 

Against the top four Arsenal seemed to let quick fire goals get them down and look to have given up in the cases of Chelsea and Liverpool. City was one of those games dominated by poor officiating from the referee and his assistants and had one decision been given correctly like a penalty or an onside not being called offside then the course and subsequent outcome of the game would have changed. Arsenal may still have lost but we'll never know.