Arsenal had higher aspirations than this several months ago. They face Everton at the weekend knowing a loss will drag them into a dogfight for fourth spot, just as in previous years.
For a side which were touted as title challengers months ago, it would be a nightmare if they finished in fifth, which is a win against Everton is essential.
The good news is they beat the same opponents in the FA Cup, to progress to the semi-finals where they face Championship side Wigan. Win that, and one of Sheffield United or Hull await.
It doesn’t have to be a choice between finishing fourth and winning the trophy, which would be their first in nine seasons, but former Liverpool man Jamie Carragher says if it boiled down to a choice, he’d be confident Wenger would choose league position.
He told SkySports: “I think Arsene Wenger would prefer 4th, that’s what he has always talked about.
“They know more than me behind the scenes, the money issues, the glamour of being in the Champions League, I understand that I’ve played there, but at the end of the day you want medals.
“They’ve gone eight or nine years years, it’s about time they won the trophy. If I was in that dressing room I’d want that FA Cup.
“We’re not talking about a team who seriously look like they are going to win the Champions League, they always go out last 16 anyway.
“Every year it happens, it was a few years ago they got to the final now. They must want to show supporters the can win (trophies).”
If it all works out well for Wenger, he will secure both. And then who knows, without an injury-hit squad next year and a transfer window boost, the club may just be reaching greater goals.
Source: HITCsport