The 2016/17 campaign for Arsenal has been one to forget with unwanted records set both in Europe and the domestic League.
However, the last patch of the season holds an even greater threat as the Gunners find themselves on the brink of losing out of the top 4 in a tightly congested top 6.
Barring Chelsea on a logical basis, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all potentially capable of finishing in the top 4.
With just 7 points separating United at the bottom of the range and Tottenham at the top of it with 56 points, the race to finish off the season with Champions League qualification just got tighter than ever.
Of the above-mentioned clubs, Liverpool were the only ones to play in the Premier League over the weekend where they came from behind to defeat Burnley 2-1. All others were scheduled for FA Cup fixtures and thus were not involved in league proceedings.
This essentially means that the Merseyside’s current 4th position is only temporary pending the outcome of Arsenal and Man U’s outstanding games.
Arsenal as well as Manchester United, have 2 pending games as a result of their ties directly or indirectly to the concluded Carling Cup which United lifted by the way.
The two games for the Gunners are against oppositions out for blood in the shape of Southampton away at The St. Mary’s Stadium and Leicester at home.
To mathematically conclude that these are forgone games and guaranteed 6 points in the bag for the Gunners will be a very bold statement putting into consideration current form and team harmony.
The progression into the semi-finals of the FA Cup is morale boosting but laden with the reality of strong contenders in the form of Man City coming next.
Despite the large numbers of disgruntled fans, the Boss has taken out time to reassure all of the entire team’s commitment to still achieving some level of success this season. Here are quotes from his press release on The club’s official site:
We were a bit nervous because your confidence drops when you don’t have the results. The team was unjustifiably criticised for our last game against Bayern Munich because we had an outstanding game.
They have been hit very hard after the game [against Bayern] and that is always dangerous because your confidence can go very quickly.
I’m always focused on the next game. Overall I am of course happy that we won the game today, but I know that what is in front of us is more important.
All things considered, I strongly believe a spirited Arsenal side can succeed and bring home the trophy as well as finish off the season somewhere in the top 3 with a chunk load of fortune behind them.
The most logical question left to ask is, “are we up for a fight?”
Incase you missed the FA Cup game against Lincoln City (Imps) at the Emirates, you can catch up on the highlights here.
“We will when you believe “….COYG!
