Whilst it has not been a perfect opening six odd months for Arsenal or manager Mikel Arteta so far in the 2024/25 campaign, even if we do not ultimately reach our major aims for the year, it will still go down largely as being another good season under our Spanish gaffer.
As we head towards the month of February, we find ourselves sat in second spot in the Premier League table and if we can turn a few of our eight draws so far into the wins that they should have been, Liverpool who occupy top spot do not need to slip up often for us to close the small gap that they have and for our remaining Arsenal results and fixtures to count massively come May in the chase for the title.
From a Champions League perspective, the midweek league stage tie with Girona saw us guarantee automatic qualification through to the knockout round as we took third place in the newly revamped table, missing out on top spot by only two points.
With the New Year and the month of January almost at an end, there is also the transfer window to consider, and particularly in light of the injury issues that we have suffered this year – as well as conversations as to whether we are as potent as we should be at the top of the pitch – Arteta has already confirmed that we are very hopeful of strengthening ahead of deadline day. That would also include a new striker if we can secure the right deal.
Naturally, there is plenty for Gunners fans to discuss right now and whether the upcoming Manchester City clash takes your attention, or whether you are glued to the speculation rumour mill and you have your eye on targets we could potentially strengthen with, knowing our more immediate Champions League fate could help in the negotiations for the latter.
With third place and the knockouts secured, although we will need to wait for the Play Off rounds to produce their winners and losers, we already know that we will face one of AC Milan, Juventus, PSV Eindhoven or Feyenoord in our next European match.
From our point of view, it is certainly one of the easier routes through to the latter stages but it certainly seems that UEFA got their wish on more interesting, and entertaining, matches with the revamp as despite their history in the European game sides like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG need the second bite of the cherry to try and secure their own progression.
That also applies to Manchester City who finished in 22nd place with only three wins from their eight games. In fact, City could now face Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in their own Play Off second chance and for neutrals across colours of all divides, that is just one of the many potential tie ups that they have to look forward to.
Now we know our own fate is secured, Arsenal fans will be heartily watching on for which sides utterly blow it now, and whilst it will not have a major impact on the league campaign, City facing extra fixtures could be a small bonus for us in the final weeks of the season.
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