For once, Tottenham resisted the urge to be Spursy on the last day of the season as Arsenal finish the campaign in fifth place after beating Everton at the Emirates on Sunday.
As the Everton game got underway, we all knew that Arsenal had already blown their chances of qualifying for the Champions League in the week previous.
Despite Dean Smith’s assertions that he would like his relegated Norwich to perform the role of Tottenham party poopers, they were no match for a side that has shown significant improvement under Antonio Conte.
At least, that’s what the pundits will tell you.
That Spurs are finding their way back to the very top [back?] while Arsenal let themselves down.
Never mind the fact that there were only two points in it in the end, nor the reason Tottenham managed to finish fourth was because Arsenal couldn’t scrape three points from seven matches against Newcastle, Southampton, Brighton, Palace, Everton, United or Brentford.
Arsenal s**t the bed and Tottenham climbed into it.
You won’t hear about Arsenal being forced to play on the opening day against Brentford when they had Covid running through their camp.
How important do those points look now?
Of course, you have heard plenty about Arsenal having one game called off when all others had many more.
And let’s not even start on VAR and the officials, eh?
Still, after many years of being depressed by Arsenal, I’m happy to have many silver linings to focus on, despite the problems the squad still clearly has.
Weirdly, I’m starting to trust that they will address them and, with experience, the inconsistency in this young side will sort itself out.
Watch how the media laud Antonio Conte and his Spurs side.
One to mention: what an incredible work by Antonio Conte. Tottenham are now back to Champions League thanks to their manager, masterpiece by Fabio Paratici to convince him 6 months ago. ⚪️ #THFC
Antonio will meet with Spurs board in the coming days. Talks will progress soon. pic.twitter.com/VdHw5wT5dP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 22, 2022
Then take a step back and look at the slim margin that separates the two sides at the end of this season.
Arsenal finished 11 points ahead of Manchester United and just five behind Chelsea in third place – and that’s after losing all those points we threw away.
We’re far closer than we expected to be at the start of the season and I, for one, am already looking forward to the next with an elite striker in place and a few more good signings.
Forward!