Never Mind The Premier League – Arsenal Should Rather Focus On Winning The Europa League!
Arsenal’s tumultous fortunes appear to continue in the new Premier League season. Last season, chants of ‘Wenger Out’ grew louder as fans were increasingly frustrated with the way things were progressing but then the club extended Arsene Wenger’s contract by two years. They did win the FA Cup last season but clearly, the fans are not happy.
Over the summer, Wenger did sign the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac but their performances have not improved. If lacking players isn’t necessarily an excuse, it’s definitely a reason, and now they are losing games despite adding to their squad. It does seem costlier and careless.
In their previous league game, Arsenal lost against Watford which only goes to show that club are seemingly moving backwards. They could have picked up an easy three points against Marco Silva’s men but Instead, Arsenal capitulated.
It’s little wonder that Arsenal fans are desperate for change, for something different. Which, ironically, is what they’ll get next season when it comes to their European football.
The Europa League is like the poorer cousin of the Champions League, both in terms of finance and prestige, but it might be refreshing for the Gunners to launch a serious effort in winning that. Arsenal have had to make a round of 16 exit for seven successive years in the Champions League but in Europa League, it could be different.
Some of the clubs involved might be unfamiliar, but this season’s competition includes the likes of Milan, Lyon, Marseille, Villarreal. Moreover, it’s a good chance to win something and qualify for the Champions League the following season. Wenger has been obsessed with making it to the Champions League, but winning the Europa League to do so seems a lot easier for Arsenal instead of securing a top four spot this season.
The Gunners have a good squad and can easily take advantage of the teams in the Europa League. Instead of draining their resources in trying hard to win the Premier League, it is perhaps time for the Gunners to pick a relatively easier route in order to gain glory.
It’s a tournament Arsenal should take seriously. It is after all, a long overdue European trophy which undoubtedly would be very welcome. While it may not be the Champions League or the Premier League that Wenger craves for, it is vital that Wenger prioritises the Europa League over the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season. Manchester United showed last season that winning the Europa League can lead to better times ahead – something the Gunners should hope to achieve.