Arsenal have not had it the absolute easiest this season. Injuries, difficulties in attack, and a lot of other criticism have come Arsenal’s way, and almost every single time, the Gunners have been able to get past them.
They have shown how good they are on numerous occasions in the Champions League, and have held their nerve in tough games in the Premier League to show that they belong in the title race more than any other team in England.
It is also obvious that people talk about the corners and the fact that they lost to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, but it is also worth noting that the Premier League title is not just about one-off games.
It is about continuity, relentlessness and maximising the resources that each team has, and that is what makes winning the league such a difficult job.
However, all of that will be left out of context if Arsenal are able to win the title while Manchester City face a reported 60-point deduction.
Arsenal’s Premier League title would (not) come with an asterisk
Reports about City serving a 60-point deduction before the end of the season came to light during the week. It was clear the moment that bit of news came out, that it was going to have repercussions and potential asterisks on Arsenal’s title charge, if the two things actually happened.
People will gladly say in this (potential) case, that Arsenal only won the league because City got the points reduction, and that their first Premier League title after 20 years would have an asterisk over it.
Let’s be clear about one thing, though: Arsenal, if they get to the finish line at the top of the table, would be champions without any asterisks or repercussions.
People can be as mad about it as they want, and they can look for as many reasons to discount it as they want, but that’s just it: it would not change anything.
It would also not put any asterisks on the potential title. Arsenal are nine points clear of Manchester City right now. At this moment. When the City situation is just a rumor.
Even if City do get the deduction, it really would not change a thing. Arsenal have done well to face City’s pressure in the title race regardless of what happens to their points total at the end of the season. Arsenal, if they win, would be deserved champions.
They have been the best and most consistent team in the entire division, and no point deduction can change that.
