I am not writing Arsenal out of the race for the Premier League title this season just yet, well not completely anyhow but I reckon it would take some kind of minor miracle for it to be Arsene Wenger and the Gunners who lifted the EPL trophy next May. So being realistic, what can we hope and/or expect from Arsenal this season?
I think you would have to say that getting back into the top four and back into the Champions League for next season is an absolute must, as the boss would look pretty bad having signed a new contract in the worst period of his long reign. We know what motivates Stan Kroenke and the board as well, so another year without the UCL riches would not go down well.
It is all very well setting that as a goal, though,. but how likely are we to achieve it? Lots o0f pundits are not giving us much chance and as we currently sit sixth it is hard to argue otherwise. I would point out that our away record of just four points from six games would be a lot better but for a few dodgy decisions and these do tend to even out.
I would also say that neither Liverpool nor Chelsea are looking particularly strong or consistent so for me, the chances of Arsenal ending as one of the top four are pretty good. That in itself would be just about alright in this fiercely competitive division but it would look a lot better with a bit of silverware to celebrate as well.
Clearly the big prize on offer to us this season is the Europa League but it looks like there will be some strong clubs dropping into it from the Champions League and it is never an easy competition to win and also tends to interfere with your domestic league campaign in the latter stages.
Being still in the Carabao Cup and with West Ham up next you would have to say that this looks our best chance of a trophy but it is the least prestigious of all and may not appease too many Arsenal fans who have been asking for big changes at the club.
I did say realistic, though, and for me that is a top four finish and any trophy at all. Do you agree?
Bob.