Are Arsenal still in the title race?

By now, I think most Arsenal fans are content with the fact that their side will not be challenging for the title this season. Indeed, I’d argue that Arsenal need to enter the damage-limitation zone and ensure that they finish somewhere in the top four.

I’d argue that is a realistic aim. Finishing further up the top of the table just isn’t.

So it’s a bit bemusing to see Arsene Wenger claim his side are still in the race. Hasn’t he heard of managing expectations? He was recently asked by journalists whether he thought this Arsenal side could turn things around in the second half of the season. Here was his response:

“Of course, yes why not? We had come through three difficult games, especially the first two. We had to recover from the United game and then we gave it all in Germany.

All of us were disappointed not to beat Fulham because we had the chances to do that and in the end we were frustrated, but there were many positives to take from the game. Our performances are not as big a disaster as some people like to portray them and I still have great belief in this team.” (Source: ESPN).

Some have taken these comments as evidence that Arsene Wenger has finally ‘lost it’. But the claims are understandable – Arsene Wenger always speaks in terms of whether winning the league is ‘mathematically’ possible. Whilst it still is, he tends to be positive. After all, he has to install his players with the belief that they can win games and challenge for something meaningful.

The truth is, however, the Gunners are already 11 points off the chase. More importantly, however, the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have better squads. Squads that have at one point or another been bolstered by the addition of a signing fresh off of Arsenal’s production line.

It’s a tough lessen for Arsene Wenger to learn, but it’s clear that his dealings in the transfer market has led to this situation. Selling a player like Robin Van Persie to Manchester United? Dreadful decision. Not replacing him properly? Unforgivable!

Whether or not the Arsenal board shares responsibility for this, Arsene Wenger is accountable. After many years of success with Arsenal, the chances of him leading the Gunners to further victories seem to be dwindling. It’s the bed that Arsene made; unfortunately the fans have to sleep in it with him.

What’s your take? Can Arsene Wenger challenge for the title this season?

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