Arsene Wenger has revealed ahead of tomorrow’s match against Hull City, that these next few games are decisive in the success of Arsenal’s season. But are they also decisive for Arsene Wenger?
Arsenal have a rather challenging, yet ‘different’ set of fixtures ahead of them. The Gunners kick off proceedings against Hull in the Premier League, before travelling to Germany midweek for a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. The Gunners will then end the week with a trip down to South London to take on the lowly league FA Cup surprises so far, Sutton United. It’ll be an interesting week for the Gunners, in which could really make or break the season.
Arsene Wenger recognises the importance of Arsenal’s forthcoming games, not just because it will likely determine what success, if any, we will have this season; but also because I don’t think he can afford to lose another game right now. Pundit and former Gunner Paul Merson reckons Wenger should be sacked if Arsenal lose to Hull and although I think realistically that’s a wish that’s a little farfetched, I’m sure Wenger is starting to feel the heat.
Wenger revealed to Sky Sports: “We come out of two disappointing results after a very difficult week. So what I mean when I say that is the way that we respond in a united way to a difficult moment in the season. It is a very sensitive moment because we come out of a big disappointment.”
“But as well we have massive challenges in front of us, we play Hull first at home, then we have the Champions League at stake, then we have the FA Cup at stake.”
The Gunners match against Hull City could prove vital in claiming a top four spot this season, with Arsenal already seemingly out of the title race. It’s not even so much that we need a win for the top four, the club just needs to get all three points to ensure that we don’t go three games without a win in the Premier League. That would be a massive 9 points missed and that could prove vital in what could be a tight top four finish.
Next up is the midweek Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich. It’s a match that not too many Gunners will have hope for, especially in our recent form. However we must go to Munich with hope that we can snatch and grab at least a point, given they too have not been at their best this season (but still lead the league). Arsenal have beaten Bayern away from home before, with a much weaker side as well. We know it can be done, but realistically, what are the chances?
Finally the Gunners will end the week with a trip to Sutton United, in which we have to hope with all fingers crossed, that Arsenal don’t somehow manage to muck this up. It’s a fixture we should be winning every day of the week and i don’t mean that in disrespect to what Sutton have achieved in the cup this season. However the Gunners should be on top no matter what team or game plan we go with. Arsenal have had a few previous cases of embarrassment in the cup competitions, most notably against Bradford. So let’s hope that we don’t see a repeat of that fixture when we come up against Sutton.
It’s a tough test for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, but it’s vital we turn our season around before its too late.
By AH