Largely, it is down to tactics. Teams have thrown off the shackles defensively, and their defensive shape has given the opposition the time and space with which to thrive.
Manchester United’s 8-2 win over Arsenal was classed as a case in point as to how poorly the Londoners played, but it was a sign of things to come for all teams this season. United were clearly a class above on the day, and a decimated Arsenal team continually gave their opponents space and the time to destroy them. It was a disaster, as there was no coherent pressing strategy, and a team largely deprived of most of their key players continually attacked even when behind, leaving such large gaps in space that United were able to destroy them.
It was a similar story as United lost 6-1 at home to Man City. City were the better side, but only just. A fairly even first half saw City edge ahead as they had just the better of the play. Then Jonny Evans was sent off, giving City control over the game as they went 2-0 up. But they weren’t that much better than United. But then Darren Fletcher scored and they poured forward in an attempt to reduce the arrears. The lethal David Silva-Edin Dzeko axis combined to help pick off United on the break, and the home side were duly embarrassed.
Then there came the Chelsea v Arsenal game. In this one it was more even, but again, Arsenal just had the edge. Though they could have been 3-0 down within five minutes, but profligacy saved them and it was that lack of cutting edge which cost Chelsea ultimately. In this game it was always going to be open and full of goals; two teams who like playing a high defensive line and who are more interested in attack than defence.
With Chelsea pushing forward Arsenal were able to take advantage of the space in behind with Theo Walcott and Gervinho thriving. Usually there would not be the space behind Chelsea to take advantage of their pace, but with the slowness of John Terry Arsenal thrived.
The same habits were in evidence between Man Utd and Chelsea earlier this season, where the home side were 3-0 up early on. But Chelsea played very well on that day, and though it finished 3-1, it was largely thanks to some atrocious finishing. Had finishing been what it was when Man Utd played Arsenal, City played United or Arsenal played Chelsea, this game could also have been nearer to a rugby score.
This has been symptomatic of the season so far. Defences which push up high and leave space in behind, and when a team is losing, continuing to attack with reckless abandon. It has made for a season in which goals have been plentiful, helped by the fact that there are so many players with the creativity to make chances and the forwards lethal enough to take them, be it Aaron Ramsey and van Perse, Silva and Dzeko, or Young and Rooney.
Long may the goals continue.
