Matches in the Premier League have been coming thick and fast this season.

Due to the late conclusion of last season following the Covid-19 lockdown of the sport, the current league campaign in England only began in late September. It will still end in mid-May, because the delayed European Championships mean there is a deadline.

Players did not get their usual summer holidays, and with a truncated pre-season as well, many did not get the chance to rest their minds and bodies properly, especially those clubs facing the demands of European football as well. 

When a full schedule of international commitments is thrown into the mix as well, then top calibre players face the prospect of playing a game every three or four days for months on end.

Inevitably, something has got to give, and it is no surprise that there has been a surge in muscular injuries in almost every team in the top leagues in Europe.

Add to that the fact that games continue to be played behind closed doors, and teams have lost the advantage of home support.

That can partially explain why, with the exception of the Premier League, where Manchester City appear to have one hand on the title already, the rest of the leagues in Europe are tight, with surprise results almost every weekend.

One team that has had its ups and downs this season is Arsenal, managed by the Spaniard Mikel Arteta, a graduate of the famous Barcelona academy system, La Masia. The Gunners had a difficult autumn and, at one point, were even flirting with the relegation places.

They have since recovered, but they have recently shown an uncanny ability to give goals away to their opponents, which has cost them points and almost their place in the Europa League.

Those who bet on fantasy football in online casinos in 2021, such as those listed here know that there is always a mistake in the team, and, therefore, that there are always good odds to be found betting on their opponents.

It is no wonder then that Arteta called for his team to show greater consistency after a recent win against Leicester.

Not that they listened to him! Another error enabled Burnley to take a point off them, and they did their best to squander a lead against Olympiakos in the Europa League before two late goals made the tie safe.

However, Arteta has now bought himself some goodwill for a few weeks at least with the club’s fans. They have just beaten Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby, the match above all others the supporters want to win. 

Of course, the natural state of many football fans is pessimism, and this is not just confined to Arsenal fans.

Supporters of almost every club under the sun know that the next surprise defeat or disappointing draw is just around the corner. That is why they celebrate good victories long and hard. They never know when the next one is coming.