Arsenal v Watford: Three reasons why Gunners have turned the tide

Arsenal’s lost cause of a Premier League campaign returns on Sunday as they host Watford. Here are three reasons why they might still salvage some pride going into the last nine games:

Milan momentum to reflect on Sunday

The midweek game versus Milan for Arsenal was as true an explanation of the unpredictability of football as there ever will be. After every pundit, every prediction telling us there was no chance for Wenger’s men, they created more than just the two they scored from.

This will give the Gunners a much-needed confidence boost after a torrid last month. And while one victory does not cover their tracks of the four back-to-back losses, it will be a building block for the remaining season.

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Defeating Milan in their backyard again will raise the dressing room spirits and surely get the players working harder than before. With stories emerging of personal player meetings outside the locker rooms, there is little to suggest there is no desire to turn things around.

Now all they need is to carry forward this feeling of unity and show the likes of Troy Deeney what real character means.

Mkhitaryan getting better with every game

Ever since his big-money switch with Alexis, both players have been subject to the question of “Who got the better deal?“. And while one number seven is creating more problems, the other one (who wore 77 in the Europa League) is busy creating and scoring goals.

The Armenian got off to a rocky start at the Emirates, with confusing performances between different competitions. What has not been confusing though, is his ability to affect a game with more than just assists.

Mkhitaryan has truly found a home at Arsenal, linking up well with Ozil every game and also doing the defensive work on his flank. The fans have taken to him well, as we all were looking forward to a player who could bring more bite into midfield.

Xhaka’s Itralian job shows what he can do

Talking about bite in midfield, a certain Swiss general was in command at the San Siro, and it turned out to be the same guy who’s been under fire for better part of a year.

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Granit Xhaka was at the center of attention of every commentator eating his words after his practical approach to the game in Italy. Wenger’s decision to pair him up with Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere paid off as the trio worked in tandem to frustrate Milan for 90+ minutes.

It has been easy to pick on Xhaka for his complete lack of focus and yet, he was probably the most focused player in midweek. What the Swiss midfielder now needs is to continue being this way for the remaining games.

Whether Wenger stays or goes, his latest contribution may just have been getting the best out of Xhaka. And if that is true, Arsenal may just be able to pull off a minor miracle in the Premier League this season.