Once again, it looks like another season of disappointment for Arsenal as Arsene Wenger’s men look destined for yet another fourth-placed finish at best.
Having started the campaign strongly, as they so often do, the Gunners have once again slipped into the realms of mediocrity and find themselves again competing for merely the carrot of European football rather than the Premier League title.
Currently sat level on points with fierce rivals Tottenham, the Gunners’ trail Manchester City by two points and leaders Chelsea by an unassailable ten. Liverpool and Manchester United are also hot on their tails, trailing by one and two points respectively in a packed top order for the English elite.
While it may seem a close race, if Arsenal’s form is anything to go by as of late – having lost three of their last six games – then Alexis Sanchez and company will be needing to pull their socks up if they are to avoid dropping out of the top four, let alone the title race.
With that in mind, here are FIVE fixtures the Gunners’ must win in order to avoid that happening, starting with their next fixture away at Anfield …
Vs Liverpool, Mar 4
This is a big one. A really big one.
Only one point separates the two sides, who have both had poor second halves of the season in stark comparison to the first.
Both remain in indifferent form, though a win against their rivals in a crunch game for either side would certainly be a confidence boost to take into the remainder of the season. Perhaps it could also serve as a psychological advantage to whoever wins in the race for the top four.
Liverpool – now out of all domestic competitions – will be desperate to make it as it will salvage another mixed season, so Arsenal will need to be at their best to match Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Vs West Brom, Mar 18
West Brom have been one of the surprise Premier League packages of the season without a doubt.
A side who consistently sit in midtable mediocrity, their rejuvenation under Tony Pulis has been remarkable.
Some good signings over the past couple of summers – Solomon Rondon and Nacer Chadli to name but a couple – combined with some long-standing favourites such as James Morrison have made the Baggies a formidable outfit, especially at home, where not many will take points.
In fact, they have only lost twice at home all season against both Manchester sides and they will be keen to avoid keeping that impressive record up.
Vs Manchester City, Apr 1
After their clash with West Brom, the Gunners have a potential break (depending on their success in the FA Cup against non-league Lincoln City) of nearly two weeks before their game against Manchester City, meaning Arsene Wenger’s men should be all well and rested for what will prove to be a key game.
At this point in the season, assuming Chelsea don’t monumentally slip up, it will be a contest for the remaining three top four places. City are in the better run of form, though don’t look particularly impressive defensively under Pep Guardiola, so all is set for a tense affair in which neither side will want to slip up.
Vs Tottenham, Apr 29
This fixture is still the most important of Arsenal’s and Tottenham’s seasons and one that will be on the tongue of either set of fans for years and year, regardless of the outcome.
Will Tottenham finally bury the two-decade-old legend that is St. Totteringham’s Day and finish above the Gunners? Or will Arsenal once again reign triumphant and rescue their season by finishing above their sworn North London enemies?
It’ll be the last north London played at White Hart Lane, so it’s likely to be a hugely emotional affair.
Vs. Manchester United, May 6
What a tough run-in the Gunners have ahead of them.
They really will have to pull out all the stops if they want to finish in the top four. After Tottenham comes pan even bigger fixture. United are definitely Arsenal’s bogey team and the Gunners tend to bottle it under a huge amount of pressure, meaning they will surely want the top four wrapped up before that.
