Arsenal must build upon Man United win to achieve successful season

Arsenal must build upon Man United win to achieve successful season

Arsenal have fallen short of expectations this season but a victory against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium yesterday has given Arsene Wenger’s side the chance of at least achieving their minimum ambitions this season.

Goals from Granit Xhaka and Danny Welbeck gave the Gunners a crucial three points, which gives Arsenal the chance to leapfrog the Red Devils later this week if they beat Southampton in their game in hand.


Victory in the match against the Saints would put Arsenal three points behind Manchester City and four points behind Liverpool, whilst the Gunners would have the chance to cut the advantage of Jurgen Klopp’s side to just one point before the Reds clash with West Ham on Sunday.

Arsenal still require their top-four rivals to drop points if they are to qualify for the Champions League next season but the Gunners have four games remaining, which means they can build a strong run in the final weeks of the season to increase the pressure on the sides above them.

Wenger’s side tackle Southampton in midweek before a trip to Stoke next weekend, which is followed by a clash against already-relegated Sunderland and the hosting of Everton on the final day of the Premier League season.

The victory over Manchester United likely puts the Red Devils out of the race for the top-four, with Jose Mourinho’s side instead focusing on their Europa League campaign, whilst Liverpool, the side most likely to concede their top-four spot, have a difficult run-in with clashes against West Ham and Middlesbrough.

Liverpool still have their fate in their own hands, as two victories in their final two games would likely see them secure a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, but Arsenal will increase the pressure during the next ten days.

Even if Arsenal do fall short of reaching the Champions League, a strong run-in during the final weeks of the Premier League campaign would also help the Gunners find form ahead of their FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea.

Whilst Arsenal have struggled in big games this season, they’ve shown in recent weeks they’re capable of beating some of the best sides in English football with victories against both Manchester clubs and they did beat Chelsea earlier this season, although the Blues side Antonio Conte leads now is majorly different.

Should Arsenal claw their way into the top-four and win the FA Cup, the season can be seen as successful and should give the Gunners confidence, as it would show they’re still capable of enjoying a fine campaign even if their season is deemed to be a disappointment.

It would also help Arsenal keep the signatures of their top-players, like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, as well as helping the Gunners attract prime targets during the summer transfer window.