Arsenal’s failure in Paris has sparked a wave of noise around the club – and not the good kind. That defeat not only ended our Champions League run but also confirmed another trophy-less season under Mikel Arteta. Criticism has poured in, with fresh questions over this squad’s ability to cross the finish line when it matters most.
The Gunners’ last three campaigns — including this one — have been defined by near misses and heartbreak just short of success. We’ve been knocking, but the door won’t open. Still, we go again next season. Until then, there’s no time for sulking. Heads can’t drop — not with our top-five Premier League spot still under threat.
Currently on 67 points, we need just two more from our final three games to guarantee Champions League football. That’s because Aston Villa (61 points) and Nottingham Forest (60) trail us with inferior goal differences. Those two are the only sides who could dislodge us, and two more points will be enough to keep them at bay.
But anything less? That opens a can of worms. If we only manage one point, either Villa or Forest could overtake us – provided they win all three of their remaining fixtures.
That might sound like a stretch… until you look at our upcoming fixtures: Liverpool and Newcastle. Suddenly, it’s not so far-fetched that we head into the final day against already-relegated Southampton needing a win. And with that kind of pressure? It could go either way.
Liverpool have nothing to play for this weekend. Taking points off them should be a priority – maybe even an expectation after their limp performance against Chelsea. A win would secure Champions League football and give us the bragging rights over a rival. It might even help us stay in 2nd place in the Premier League table, and keep 3rd placed Man City at bay.
What do you reckon, Gooners – can we still finish strong?
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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Liverpool – Draw
Newcastle – Draw
Southampton – Win
I’m with you 💯
Normally Liverpool would not be expected to create a big resistance having won the league, but if they want to get more points, that’s a different calculation, and what a better team would Liverpool wants to assess other fringe players in real match situation, than a team who need a result like air to breathe.
Also, for fairness, nobody will accept any below par display as some other clubs still have something to play for, and Liverpool could be seen as saboteur.
Sometimes you need luck you can’t control
I think Chelsea playing Newcastle and then Forest makes it very unlikely we don’t finish top 5
We are fortunately the chasing back has just ran out of games
A few more and I could have seen us fall out of the top 5
In the immortal words of Johan “The G.O.A.T.” Cruyff “There is no luck in football”
Just sayin…😁
I mean, even if we were to lose against both Liverpool and Newcastle,which is unlikely, there’s just no way we lose against Southampton who are awful and have nothing to play for.
Currently holding Man City though 🤷♂️
Yeah I must have underestimated them. Could be that they no longer play with pressure.
Southampton have given us a bit of space. Didn’t expect that score
Yeah needed that
To be fair I think top 5 is safe but it would be nice to finish 2nd
I think Sue 2 points is enough but others will slip up anyways
Dan
After the disappointing outcome on Wednesday, City could have really piled on the pressure and it was funny listening to one of City’s players complaining about Southampton throwing everyone behind the ball and not playing and not allowing a proper spectacle. I thought it was only Arsenal that did that😊
Hopefully Palace stuff them in the cup and they wither on the vine…
Yeah very negative of me but I think we are crawling to finish line so City dropping points means we can afford to drop points tomorrow
Just thinking though blow for City in top 5 race
They would have assumed 3 points
You have to look at the positives if possible. Unexpected bonus today and that’s with be humble Haaland back
Weird that FA and Europa Final before the last weekend of the season.