St. Totteringham’s Day Joy Can’t Mask Season of Missed Opportunity for Arsenal

Arsenal’s tumultuous season ended on a high, as they recorded a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa that, combined with Tottenham Hotspur’s 5-1 humbling at Newcastle United, meant the Gunners leapfrogged their rivals into second place.

The Arsenal fans were able to celebrate St Totteringham’s Day, the annual confirmation they will finish above their neighbours. It made for a joyous occasion—but one that ultimately just papers over the cracks of a disappointing campaign.

In the last couple of months, the Emirates Stadium has been enveloped by gloom. The disintegration of Arsenal’s title challenge led to huge dissatisfaction manager Arsene Wenger, and protests and jeers became de rigueur.

On Sunday, however, Arsenal’s ground was a scene of ecstasy and amusement at the fact Tottenham somehow conspired to finish beneath them. There is nothing like a common enemy to unite people.

Watching the way Arsenal dispatched Villa, it was almost possible to believe this year hadn’t been so bad. This, after all, was Arsenal’s highest league finish in 11 seasons.

Olivier Giroud’s hat-trick meant he matched his best Premier League tally of 16, with an impressive total of 24 across all competitions. Quite how he managed to reach that figure despite tailing off so dramatically …

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