sport news IAN LADYMAN: Arsenal have won nothing yet but let them enjoy the ride trends now

It is only 298 days since Arsenal’s players sat slumped on the turf at St James’ Park in Newcastle and readied themselves for what was to come. Another brutal analysis of failure. Another dissection of their character. Another mauling in public. Worst of all, another private annihilation at the hands of their manager Mikel Arteta.

It all came their way and then some. And when it did, it was familiar. It had happened before. This time it was particularly painful because they had looked to be on course for a top four Premier League finish and qualification for the Champions League. That would have been a desperately needed sign of progress under Arteta’s guidance, an indication that old habits had finally been expunged.

But then, at the death, right when it really mattered, they fell apart. A 3-0 defeat at Tottenham came first. Then, four days later, a 2-0 loss at Newcastle. Season over. Fifth place. How very Arsenal.

Some were on their knees again last weekend but this time it was different. Because others were lost in the embrace of team-mates and unused substitutes and coaching staff too. 

This time it was a 97th minute goal that did for them. Their goal. A 2-0 deficit against Bournemouth had become a 3-2 victory in the 97th minute of the game. The roof was coming off the Emirates. Arsenal were still five points clear at the top of the league. The dream of a first title in nineteen years was still on. Bedlam. Joy. All inhibitions shed.

It made for a great photograph. My favourite of the season so far, it was carried in these pages. Taken from above, the absolute chaos of the aftermath is all there. Arsenal players consumed by joy, Bournemouth players prostate in sporting horror. It is fabulous simply because it tells us everything about what sport really is.

But some would not have it this way. Some believe such scenes are premature. The fun police we can call them. Or the ‘you’ve won nothing’ brigade. Captain of that particular team can be Roy Keane.

The FA are involved now. They are ‘investigating’ and that jars a bit but is also kind of okay. There are guidelines and I understand that. If we had all 79 subs and all 27 coaching staff on the field every time a goal was scored then we would never get home on a Saturday night.

But that is not to say we should begrudge Arteta and his players their reaction to a huge moment in their season. Because whatever we do and whatever the outcome of the FA’s probe, that would be wrong.

Arsenal have come so far since that awful afternoon at Newcastle but they hang you for all kinds of stuff in football these days. Manchester United’s Wout Weghorst is currently having to explain why he touched the ‘This is Anfield’ sign in the players’ tunnel last Sunday. Here’s a thought. Maybe a journeyman pro was just determined to make the most of his first and maybe last visit to a great football stadium. It wasn’t because of this that his team subsequently lost 7-0.

And Arsenal have certainly had all this criticism come their way before. Too many dressing room selfies. Too many pats on the back. Stop grinning.

Keane, much as we love him really, is one who doesn’t like footballers who smile too much. He doesn’t like footballers who swap shirts. Deep down, the former Manchester United captain only really likes footballers who win. All the time.

But

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