In a way I think it would have been better for Arsenal to have fared even worse in last season’s Premier League, as dropping out of Europe altogether may well have helped us to challenge for the title next time, as we have seen with the likes of the last two sides to be crowned champions of England, Chelsea and Leicester City.
That would have meant that we needed not to lift the FA cup either and I think we can all agree that the trophy success was the only plus point in a disappointing campaign. So now Arsenal are in the Europa League and at least we do not have to do any qualifying games before the competition starts in earnest.
We have, though, been handed a nightmare schedule due to our usual rotten luck and fave tough away games after five of the six group games, leading to suggestions that Arsene Wenger needs to treat Europe as a much lower priority than the Premier League.
In a way I agree but I still feel Arsenal should be able to compete in both. We have a large squad with lots of quality for one thing and with the quality of our opponents surely down on what we get in the Champions League you would expect Arsenal to at least get through our group if not win it.
I also feel that too much is made of players having to play regular games. It is what they do, so do you think Arsenal fans can expect a strong showing in Europe as well as in domestic action?
Bob.