Do Not Sell My Personal Information
For the first time since the 97/98 season Arsenal are not battling against Europe’s elite in the Champions League. However, could Europa League success be the way back to the top?
Arsene Wenger has gambled on young/fringe players so far to lead the charge in the Europa League. And having already qualified for the last 32, Wenger will argue his squad rotation has been successful. Now that the group stages have been conquered, Arsene looks set to roll the dice and stick with the players that have got him this far. Sitting atop their group with 3 wins from 4, the club are on course to do well in the competition and considering the schedule ahead of them rotation will be a huge key to success in all competitions.
It is unlikely that fans will see first team stars such as Ozil, Lacazette and Sanchez until the latter stages in the competition. This is the chance for players like Walcott, Giroud and Wilshire to prove their worth to the club and the fans. Arguably the club have been more consistent in Europe as form in the Premier League has been inconsistent at best. Currently Arsenal sit 6th in the League, 12 points behind leaders Man City. As a top Four finish is already looking unlikely, It’s not hard to see why fans are hedging their bets ( www.casinosverige.me/highrolle
Arsenal struggled to keep Alexis Sanchez in the summer; if they plan on keeping Sanchez and their other stars the club desperately needs to be back in the Champions League! The big players want Champions League football, it’s as simple as that. The club need to produce results in all competitions, fight for trophies and fight for that fourth spot. Rebuilding is necessary, but success cannot be sacrificed. The board have seemingly been happy with profits instead of trophies with financial success appealing more to them than a League title.
Wenger clearly has an uphill battle, stuck in between unhappy fans and an ineffective board he must decide where his priorities lie; Success in Europe or domestic success? One thing’s for sure, fans can bet on another long hard season with Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham looking so dangerous it will be harder than ever for Arsenal to finish in the top four. Without European success, questions will always be asked of this Arsenal team making Europa League a possible blessing for the club.
Arsenal seem a level above most in the competition, whereas, fighting against the giants of the champions league they seemed to be constantly overshadowed. Winning the competition could solve many of the clubs problems and may go some way to repairing the relationship between the board and the fans. Wenger needs to produce more than an FA Cup. He has a squad capable of winning trophies, there’s no room for excuses now. It’s time for Arsenal to play their hand and go all in on the Europa League.
Written by Alex Russell
