Arsenal v Stoke City: Potters seek double glory over the Gunners
Arsene Wenger had a few choice words with Tony Pulis following the Potters’ shock 2-1 win at the Britannia Stadium earlier this season but there shouldn’t be any altercations on Sunday as neither club has anything to play for bar pride.
Robin Van Persie saw red that cold November day as Wenger accused Stoke City players of trying to injure his players, but in truth it was Stoke’s strength on the ball, a never-say-die attitude and fortune in front of goal that secured them the priceless victory. Arsenal just weren’t up for the battle.
However, that it is all water under the bridge as Stoke City, thanks largely to their impressive home form and passionate support, have ensured they will be rubbing shoulders with the big boys again next season while Arsenal have secured a top four finish yet again.
But while Stoke City bask in the limelight, Arsenal fans can’t wait for the season to end. They’ve had a poor league campaign by their standards and the Gunners fell short in all cup competitions to ensure a fourth year without any silverware. Arsene Wenger has come under increasing pressure from the fans and media to spend and change his philosophy. He has stated that he is prepared to buy a few players in the summer but it will be interesting to see who comes in and how much he is actually allowed to spend.
Arsenal haven’t lost on the final day of the season at home since 1993 and only the most staunch Stoke City fans can see that changing this weekend. Tony Pulis’s men though do have the opportunity to record their first double over the Gunners in 33 years.
It may not be the fraught affair that we saw at the Britannia Stadium when these two clashed back in November, but it should prove to be an exciting clash with a couple of goals, although only four pundits can see Stoke breaching the Arsenal goal.
