Arsenal fell short of their minimum expectations this season by finishing fifth in the Premier League, ensuring the Gunners would be without Champions League football next season for the first time in two decades.

Arsene Wenger’s side will instead enter the Europa League, a competition that has been looked down upon by many in recent years, but the Gunners cannot afford to make the same mistake and need to push for success.

Arsenal lack significant European pedigree, having never won the Champions League and reaching the final just once, so the Europa League gives them a chance to make history and potentially kickstart better fortunes on the continent.

Whilst the tournament is often looked down upon by many, who state the teams involved are significantly weaker, it’s a dangerous thought process to have as their is some big sides set to play in the Europa League next year- including Italian giants AC Milan and French outfit Lyon.

The start of the knock-out rounds, where the third placed sides in the Champions League group stages move to the Europa League, also means that the calibre of sides involved could increase significantly- so Arsenal need to be wary and cannot be arrogant.

Playing on a Thursday/Sunday scheduling hasn’t helped teams previously in their push for domestic glory and Arsenal may find similar issues next season. However, the Gunners have often performed better when they’re chasing their rivals- as shown by their late push for a top-four finish this season.

Arsenal will enter matches next season knowing what they have to do and that could help the Gunners significantly, as we’ve seen this side slip-up consistently in recent years when they have been the leading side.

With Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all set to spend heavily this summer though, Arsenal will be ranked as outsiders in the race for Premier League glory but the Europa League gives them the opportunity to be successful.

Given the financial might of Arsenal’s three main rivals, the Gunners would be well advised to look elsewhere in their quest for trophies as they would need major improvements to win the Premier League- and next season may be one step too soon.

However, winning the Europa League would give Arsenal a massive confidence boost and could help them in their push for further honours in the coming years- but that will only be possible if Arsenal respect the competition and don’t use fringe players.