As the final whistle blew at the DW Stadium, we bared witness to two collector items - a clean sheet and an ugly win from Arsenal. The Gunners dug deep and their 0-1 win against Wigan has now made it three league wins in a row for Arsene Wenger's side as we are currently third with 30 points from 18 games played.
Yes, third. You heard that right. Just weeks ago, Arsene Wenger was probably at his lowest point in his entire Arsenal career as he wasn't only feeling pressure from the media - but from the fans as well. There was a genuine feeling that all the negativity was getting to him and that the pressure was well and truly on for the Frenchman. A bitter home loss to Swansea City bundled along with a humiliating Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Bradford City had the knives out as a top four finish along with our best chance of a trophy were (seeming to be) gone. However, those losses now seem an eternity ago.
Arsenal are third - after our worst ever start in the Wenger era and there's still 20 games left to play in the season. This is with tough games to Man Utd (A), Chelsea (H), Stoke City (A), Man City (A), Everton (A) already done with too. And with signings imminent in the January transfer window, if Arsenal acquire the right player(s), who knows how far we can go this season?
Once again, I'll point it out - third and a round of 16 clash in the Champions' League against Bayern Munich awaits and while that may be a tough encounter, Arsenal can still spring a surprise against the Bavarians. The German giants are a big enough side for Arsenal to not underestimate them - like they did with Schalke - but not as big as Barcelona in the sense that Arsenal can and hopefully will compete and go for the game. Adding to this, an FA Cup clash with Swansea City also awaits where Arsenal can seek revenge against Michu and company.
Arsenal's next three league games are against West Ham United (H), Newcastle United (H) and Southampton (A) - if we keep our run going, we should make it 18 points out of the last possible 18 after the Southampton game with no problem whatsoever. And if that does happen, it would be very interesting to see where we lie in the table and what goals we have from that point onwards. From what seemed to be a crisis (according to the negative fans and media) - quite frankly doesn't seem like one anymore (if it was one in the first place.) If anything, the season is well and truly bright and hopefully 2013 sees us get something more than a top four finish.