Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League prospects
Words and picture by Aaron Patel
After a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City on Tuesday night, and with Chelsea losing 4-0 to Bournemouth last night, Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League prospects have been boosted.
Now at the midway point in the season, the Gunners sit fourth as the month of January comes to a close. Level on points with Chelsea who sit fifth, this is the best possible scenario for Unai Emery’s side.
Chelsea’s sorrows, Arsenal’s joy
On Tuesday night, Arsenal beat struggling Cardiff City 2-1 at The Emirates, thanks to goals from forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubaymeng and Alexander Lacezzette. This result saw the North London side leapfrog Chelsea who suffered their worst defeat in 23 years, losing 4-0 to Bournemouth on a chilly night on the South Coast.
Manager Emery, can take a lot of positives from this week, especially with Chelsea’s result going in their favour. In his first season in charge at the club, the former Sevilla manager was always going to be expected to re-build, after the last two seasons at The Emirates have been without UEFA Champions League football.
Looking over their shoulders at Maurizio Sarri’s side, they will know that they will have a battle on their hands for fourth, should they maintain consistent form from now until the end of the season. Considering it is Emery’s first season in charge, this can only strengthen their ambition to return to the UEFA Champions League.
The top four is within reach – if they can keep getting the results
Unlike the past two seasons, Arsenal are now in a position where they can look towards Champions League qualification. But it is vital that Emery galvanises his side, as this period of the season is pivotal.
At the start of the season, it would have seemed like a long campaign ahead for most of the Gunners faithful, but a recent upturn in form has paid off. Arguably they have already exceeded expectations.
There is likely to be a lot more optimism in the air around Islington this season for supporters, which has been something that has been missing for some time.
Some are now relishing the prospect of the elite competition returning to The Emirates. Anne Hyde, 60, from the Arsenal Disabled Supporters Association said: “I think it is within reach definitely. I think we can make it.”
Supporter Jack Stevens, 42, said: “For the first time in a while, I think we can do it. We just need make sure you we are consistent.”
The verdict
It has been a far better season for Arsenal than most would have predicted. With the departure of long-term manager Arsene Wenger last summer, that alone seemingly changed the complexion of the club. And despite the huge task of filling the hot seat at The Emirates, Emery has done a sound job.
On Sunday Arsenal travel north to play reigning champions Manchester City, who have their own ambitions to chase in the form of the Premier League title. It needs to be treated as a huge opportunity for the Gunners, as they can pounce on City’s most recent defeat against Newcastle United, and put more daylight between themselves and Chelsea.
A trip to The Etihad is not an easy job these days, and this Sunday will be no different. But it will be the character that Emery’s side show away to the champions that could reflect and ultimately shape their season.
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