Written by Vivek Arulnathan for Gunnersphere.com: Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal fans that a top four finish next season is not guaranteed.
This is the last thing we wanted to hear. As if suffering a season of failure wasn’t bad enough, and the board also deeming it right to increase ticket prices by 6.5%, Wenger now comes out and states there is no guarantee of a top four finish next season. What does he think he is playing at?
When every Arsenal fan around the world is crying out for silverware, is this really the correct way to respond to your followers?
Arsenal are not a mid-table side who have one great season once every decade like Tottenham or Liverpool. We have been one of the most consistent sides in the Premier League in years and a place outside the top four, given that we don’t win trophies, is like being relegated. Wenger told several national newspapers and online publications:
‘People take it for granted that we are in there every year but, believe me, it is hard work. You have clubs like Liverpool who are out of it at present, and Tottenham were a big candidate this season.’
Correct. Everyone knows that it is hard work to acquire a top four finish, especially given the way clubs evolve. Finishing in a Champions League spot season after season is a very credible achievement. Wenger has to be lauded for his consistency at the top since taking charge of the North London club in 1996. However, a majority of Arsenal fans want silverware to return to the club. The fact that the Gunners finish year after year within the top four and compete in the illustrious Champions League merely gives us something to cheer about. But should we not achieve this, then surely the clubs credibility and reputation will fall (just look at what’s happened to Liverpool, and recently Tottenham). So, I feel it only right that we have a look at who our challengers are for a top four finish next season:
Manchester United: A team in the rebuilding phase, but will surely obtain a place within the top-four next season despite the retirement of Edwin van der Sar.
Chelsea: They will want to splash the cash, but the new UEFA financial fair play rules will cripple them to an extent. However, they have the team spirit and fight to once again occupy a spot in the top four, even if they are an aging team.
Manchester City: With Champions League football to look forward to, and cash to splash, you can’t look past City to claim a top four finish. There will be a lot of movement both in and out this summer at the club, but they can only get stronger with time.
Criticised for their consistent lack of success.
Depends how you want to look at them
If you take them to be a top club – then criticism yes
If you take them to be a middle level club who has managed to reach top 4 – then criticism no