Premier League leaders Arsenal have a peculiar curse to banish when they visit the Gtech Community Stadium for Thursday’s London derby with surprise package Brentford.
While the Gunners have gone unbeaten in 12 straight midweek top-flight games, they have failed to win – or even score – in any of their last three to take place on Thursdays themselves.
Arteta’s men still hold a healthy lead at the summit of the Premier League table, and victory last weekend saw them end the day nine points clear at the top for the first time since the 2003-04 Invincibles campaign – omens?
Arsenal will not expect to have it all their own way against their European-chasing hosts, though, especially as Brentford return to their headquarters on the back of two tremendous away days at Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Brentford should not adopt a backs-against-the-wall approach to the visit of Arsenal – unlike many other teams – as Andrews’s men have momentum on their side after two huge wins and can play without fear against the league leaders.
Arteta’s streak of clean sheets may therefore be broken on Thursday, but a rejuvenated Gunners attack can exploit any gaps left open by their London rivals and keep Man City at bay for a little while longer.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
