I want to be confident about our chances but you know, with Arsenal, it is the hope that kills you. At the time of writing, we're in 6th position but we have three games unplayed and is only two points behind Manchester United in fourth.
To top it off, we're three points ahead of Spuds after playing the same number of games as the bottling company. We also have a game in hand versus Wolves that trail us with 2 points.
All things considered, we should be in a favourable position by the end of the season. The problem is that we live very close to the bottle jobs and I think they've been infecting us.
In the past couple of seasons, we've actually been in similar favourable positions to qualify for the UCL but ended up fucking it up. However, theere's something about this squad that makes me believe.
After being knocked out of all the domestic competitions, all we have to focus on is the Premier league. We have 16 matches left to play, and I believe winning ten and drawing three out of the lot will be enough to not only take us into the top ten but we could even usurp 3rd Chelsea.
At the start of the season, I was really impressed with how solid Chelsea was. I was quick to assume that they'd be title contenders but if care is not taken, they could be struggling to even stay in the top four by the end of the season.
If we win our two games in hand, we'll be only two points behind Chelsea. Despite their club world cub victory after their fluke Champions league success, Chelsea hasn't exactly been impressive in the league.
The only steady hands right now are Liverpool and City. There's still a 9 point gap between the top two but Liverpool as a game in hand that they'll most likely win.
The rest of us, that includes Chelsea will have to scrap for the remaining two top four slots. Our biggest challenge will come from the teams around us. if we can avoid losses to teams like SPurs, United and West Ham we'll be aiding our cause.
What we need to ensure we do is squeeze out three points in games against teams that are lower in the league. If you've watched the league this season, you'll know that it is small margins that determine the outcome of these games, so it is by no means going to be a walk in the park.
On top of performing against lower ranked opponents, we'll also need some more luck, like the one we got the past couple of weekends. If teams around us continue to drop points against the lower opponents that we have the capacity to dismantle, they'll be unconsciously helping our cause.
Top four is very important
Arteta took a big risk with transfers this season. He's let go a lot of players, and trimmed the squad size and wage bill in the process.
It would be incredible if the gamble actually pays off in the long run. So far, so good, our transfers have all improved the squad in their own way.
I believe that getting into the top four and qualifying for the UCL will go a long way in determining the quality of signings that will come in the summer transfer window.
Arteta seems to be a manager that knows exactly what he wants and doesn't compromise, as evident in the Vlahovic saga. He's building a young and vibrant squad that has the potential to challenge for the title in a couple of seasons.
The first step is getting into the Champions League, where we're supposed to be, and slugging it out against the big bys in Europe. After that, we'll see where life takes us. Until we meet again, up the Arsenal.
