Editorial: The frustrating tale of Arsenal

They were meant to be Champions this season as the Manchester clubs and Chelsea flattered. The title charges of Spurs and Leicester City were meant to fizzle out. Everything was written in the stars for the red half of North London to reclaim a title they last won in 2004. But at Arsenal, nothing is ever straight forward. 

As the referee blew the whistle to signify full time after another disappointing 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, the boos from the home crowd rang out spontaneously. They had just witnessed another match thrown away -another opportunity missed. 

Arsenal have been here many times. The tension in the crowd as Arsenal held a slender 1-0 lead in the final quarter of the match was palpable. They have, over the years, lost games they were expected to win or fail to win a game like today's when they were comfortable for long spells. This Arsenal has a soft underbelly, one which is characteristic and pathologic at the same time. 

Even more perplexing is that in this frustrating side, there is a team somewhere in there capable of fighting when their back is against the wall - like that creditable draw at Tottenham. They can also offer a false illusion of hope like how they took the Manchester clubs to the cleaners at the Emirates. 

But then of course, there is the true drama. Champions and tittle contenders win games at home to Palace. They win games at home to Swansea especially when they have got the lead. But this Arsenal side is incapable of doing this and is unlikely to win the league unless this vulnerability is addressed. 

The league will not return to Arsenal this season and now they must worry about the other teams breathing down their neck as the season comes to a close. Fourth place is now far from certain. But one thing is certain, we never know which Arsenal will turn up in last five matches of the season.