What is Derby Day coming to?

In an amazing turn of events only possible in the Premier League, Arsenal ended up beating Chelsea 5 goals to 3. But what is even more amazing is that these kind of scorelines are becoming common in the Premier League heavyweight clashes, so much so that now people expect goalfests on every derby. Just last month, Manchester United beat Arsenal 8-2, after which they lost to City 6-1 at Old Trafford and now Arsenal have scored 5 goals at the Bridge. The main reason for this crazy roller coaster of a season I feel is the shoddy defensive performances that are on display by even the best in the League. Chelsea and United both known for their rock solid defenses conceded 5 and 6 goals respectively at home and that is something never heard of before. Another factor is the influx of attacking footballers into the Premier League. Whether its Aguero ,Dzeko,Gervinho or Mata, they all have that characteristic flair while going front which is making the League very interesting.

Whether its worth compromising defense for a flowing attack is a different matter but at the moment it looks like the strikers are ruling the roost in the League and I myself would not be surprised if more than one team hits the 100 goal mark.

The 350 Million Pound Derby

The Manchester Derby has suddenly become one of the most anticipated derbys; probably one of the main reason and most obvious reason for this is the fact that over 350 millions pounds worth of talent will be seen on the Old Trafford pitch tomorrow. The exciting array of players might have got people to expect a goal festival but this expectation would have been deflated quickly when Sir Alex came out and told the fans not to expect a goal fest.
Eventhough Sir Alex may said this, my personal feeling is that with Rooney, Aguero, Young, Dzeko and Silva on the same pitch, there will be some spectacular goals.

Apart from the expensive array of players, another reason for the sudden interest in the Manchester derby is probably the fact that all of the sudden its no longer a one sided game. For a long time Manchester City languished in United's shadow but now they are challenging their supremacy. This one game could finally show us how far Manchester City has come on the bank notes of their wealthy owner. Could this game be a test of their title credentials? I feel one game does not decide that but certainly this is one of the stand out fixtures in City's calender and it will be one that they would love to win.

Is Arsenal back on track?

Surely some may say that a 2-1 victory over Sunderland is not enough to claim Arsenal are really back on track but during the game I saw glimpses that Arsenal may finally have risen from their slump. One of the major differences between today's game and others was that Arsenal's passing has really improved and it is almost reaching that exquisite passing from previous seasons. Another good sign is  Arshavin's performance which has been incredible today; his control and dribbling was far better than what it used to be and for a player under immense criticism he has really played well. Eventhough Arsenal's midfield finally looks like it has gelled, a major disappointment was the defense. Towards the end of the first half, Arsenal's defending was a horror show and it was only due to Szczesny's fantastic stops that Arsenal was able to limit the number of goals conceded.
The victory was well needed and well deserved and Wenger looked visibly relieved after the game. To ensure that the Gunners continue their ascent up the table, they need to keep this momentum going for at least the next two months in the Premier League and the Champions League. With enough wins stacked up, Arsenal may well find themselves in a very favourable position by March.