Featured image courtesy of DANIEL LEAL | Credit: AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal are currently sixth in the Premier League table with 54 points, just three points behind Tottenham Hotspur who sit fourth and with equal points as Manchester United (whom claim the fifth spot having scored seven more goals). But with Arsenal a game in hand over both teams and just five weeks left, could they finish the season breaking into the top four of the Premier League?
After a slow start to the 2021/22 season it was a question that would have eluded even the most loyal Gunners’ fans and any hopes of been reunited with European football seemed almost impossible, after they lost all three of their opening games without scoring a single goal.
But then momentum shifted after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang secured Arsenal their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Norwich in game week 4, unleashing a winning streak and suddenly conversations about European potential were on the table.
Summer signing of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale prior to the season, played a key role in Arsenal’s rise in the league, even proving all his doubters wrong with five clean sheets during their eight games unbeaten run.
Mikel Arteta’s team hit a few bumps in the road but still managed to bounce back and continue their quest into the top six.
Off the pitch it wasn’t as plain sailing as captain Aubameyang (who had currently scored four goals and played a key part in Arsenal’s attacks) was hitting the front pages for the wrong reasons; on December 14th Arteta announced his captain title would be stripped and he was no longer training with the team. The details why weren’t disclosed, instead being told it was due to a ‘disciplinary breach’.
In the January transfer window, Aubameyang’s transfer to Barcelona was announced, mutually ending his contract.
Arsenal opted against signing a new striker, instead sticking with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, despite the pair lacking goals in the opening of the season. Was this decision about to undo Arsenal’s hard work and threatening their chances in the battle for top four?
The striker gap soon allowed youngsters Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe to implement themselves into the team as regular starters for Arteta’s team, stepping up and finding goals when necessary. The pair are current top goal scorers for the team with nine goals each, further highlighting their importance.
Arsenal have showed their dominance throughout the season winning 17 of their games so far, but recently they’ve produced some shock results – 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, followed by a 2-1 loss to Brighton. Was Aubameyang’s transfer the only connection Arsenal will have to Europe this season?
Having lost four of the their last five games, Arsenal are currently three points behind their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, tied on points with Manchester United and three points ahead of West Ham. But with an extra game still to play, their fans will be desperately hoping they fix their form quickly.
Upcoming fixtures
With seven games remaining Arsenal are set to face four of their top four competitors in the upcoming weeks, leaving them with a lot of work to do.
Next week sees an away trip to London rivals Chelsea, who themselves have hit a few bumps in the road (4-1 loss against Brentford and knocked out of the UCL). Their FA Cup semi-final fixture against Crystal Palace might have come at the right time for Arsenal, as they will only have three days recovery from a game which has the potential to go into 30 minutes extra time. Either way it will be tough for Arsenal with Chelsea determined to hold on to their third place spot, especially if Palace end their FA Cup dreams.
Arsenal then face an inconsistent Manchester United, who relied on Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Norwich (3-2) to secure their second win in eight matches (including UCL). United are also contenders for a top four finish, but with their current form and upcoming fixtures including Liverpool and Chelsea, it could be too much to ask.
Arsenal look like a more well-structured team, although this will be another tough game and if they can overcome their recent form I think it will be a narrow victory for the Gunners.
In game week 35 they face West Ham, who are already snapping at Arenal’s heels in the table and after their recent qualification for the European semi-final will be hungry to pick up as many points as possible to get them ahead.
Next they are hosting Leeds United, who have had a rocky 2022 only managing to secure three points on five occasions, making it a potentially perfect game for Arsenal to rack up some much needed goals, against the white’s lacklustre defence. Although, as the season draws to a close, every point is vital for Leeds as they still find themselves close to the relegation battle.
After Leeds, comes the all-important North London derby away against Tottenham, who have won six out of their last eight Premier League games and seem to score goals for fun. It will be a tough game for Arsenal, yet, they did beat Tottenham 3-1 in the reverse fixture, making it a very tricky match to predict.
Arsenal have a what should be a nice end to the season facing Newcastle in game week 37 and Everton on the final day of the season. These teams have shocked us against ‘big teams’ but with Arsenal’s squad they should be able to get the final points over the line.
So, can Arsenal end the season in the top four and bag themselves a guaranteed Championships League position? Unfortunately there are too many tough teams in the closing stages for them to get enough points to overtake Tottenham, who will likely keep hold of the position. The terrific trio of Kane, Son and Kulusevski alone can hurt teams as we have already seen.
They have some lovely fixtures with only two difficult opponents, and Norwich being their last game gives them an upper hand if the race goes down to the final matchday.
It is still very tight near the top so anything could happen and one thing we do know is the Premier League certainly like to throw out a few surprises, so nothing is ever certain.
