Arsenal have reached the semi final of the UEFA Europa League. The other three teams being Atletico Madrid, FC Red Bull Salzburg and Olympique Marseille. Arsenal will play against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid while Austrian Bundesliga table toppers FC Red Bull Salzburg will face French club Olympique Marseille. The Gunners will have a stern test when they face Diego Simeone’s men in the first week of May. Seeing them off and eventually getting their hands on the coveted European trophy will be their only chance of getting back to the UEFA Champions League. It will be easiest and only possible path now. I’m not even counting the €50m that comes with it .
We here at “Beyond the posts” take a look at why Arsenal should win the UEFA Europa League.
1. ALL EGGS ARE IN ONE BASKET
Finishing in the top four is a dream this season for Arsene Wenger’s team. Wenger can now rotate his players and get together the best formations possible to ensure that his squad perform well in the semi finals. Wenger can take inspiration from his ambitious neighbours and West London club Chelsea of 2012. They were doing very poorly or rather performing miserably in the English Premier League back then. They gave up on the league ambitions and focussed on the UEFA Champions League. The squad was rotated properly and UCL was made the top priority. They eventually went on to win the trophy thus creating one of the most remarkable run in a cup competition. If the neighbours can do it with an interim manager so can Wenger.
2. ARSENAL TEND TO DEFY ODDS EVERY SEASON
Arsenal have gone past their February – March crisis and its time they start their late season flourish. Instead of the FA cup, they have to fight for the Europa League.
Wenger may look past his prime when compared to other managers but he knows how to make his team click in cup competitions.
Last season a fairly poor Arsenal defeated Manchester City and inform Chelsea to win the FA cup , to end the season on a high note.
3. PLAYERS FORM
Herikh Mkhitaryan‘s display against AC Milan in the first half was the turning point in Arsenal shifting the the game in their favour.
Mkhitaryan has six assists and two goals since making the move from the Theatre of Dreams in January.
Add to that the prowess of Mesut Ozil, Aubameyang and Lacazatte. They have a very good squad that can upset Atletico Madrid should Simeone make one wrong step.
4. WIN IT FOR WENGER
The Frenchman will painfully be aware of the lack of European silverware in the Arsenal’s trophy cabinet. Despite steering Arsenal to the 2000 UEFA final where he lost to Galatasaray on penalties and the 2006 final where he lost to Barcelona, Wenger has drawn a blank in Europe.
Moreover, Arsene Wenger earlier today announced that he will retire at the end of the season thus ending a long tenure of 22 years.
What better gift than the Europa title the players give to the departing manager?
FOOTNOTE: We here at “Beyond the Posts” pay respect to Arsene Wenger for dedicating 22 years of his life to the job he loves and for being one of the most decorated Premier League managers. We heartily wish him best for his future endeavours.
