Arsenal Legend: Don’t Write Gunners Off Just Yet In Top Four Race
By The Editor
on 17th February 2018
Paul Merson feels top four is still up for grabs for his former side…
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Arsenal legend Paul Merson says the race for the top four isn’t yet out of reach for the Gunners despite being seven points off the pace.
Following the defeat to Spurs last week, many seemed resigned to yet another season without the participation of Europe’s premier club competition – unless we go all the way in the Europa League.
And thus the talk has been whether or not Wenger should switch his focus to the Europa League and seeking Champions League qualification through that route.
Despite our comfortable 3-0 win away at Ostersunds which should see us comfortably make it to the last-16 of the competition, Merson still feels we have a chance of breaking back into the top four.
“They should keep chipping away in the league, though, as it’s not time at the moment to prioritise the Europa League,” Merson said on Sky Sports’ debate show.
“Chelsea have got to play both Manchester clubs and while it may be difficult, I would continue with both competitions.
“Arsenal are a team that can reel off six wins on the spin like that, that being said they can still lose to the so-called lesser sides.”
Merson’s comments are respectable, but we’re no longer a team capable of putting such wins together and haven’t done it all season.
Our away record is wretched, winning only three out of 15 in the league, which doesn’t bode well since we have five trips left this term.
Wenger might not want to admit it publicly, but it really is the Europa League or bust.