Despite uneven campaign, Arsenal’s season is still very much alive

After a horror spell during December Arsenal’s season was on the canvas, now they have their eyes on European glory.

Just months ago, Arsenal’s season was on the brink of collapse after a 4-1 loss in the EFL Cup to Manchester City. The knives were out for Mikel Arteta and his players, Thomas Partey was sidelined, and the Gunners had no recognized No.10 as they could not score a goal, let alone win a game.

Fast forward March and although Arsenal finds themselves sitting in the 10th position in the table, performances of late have been very encouraging with the 3-1 win over Leicester City at the King Power a stark reminder that when the side is clicking, they are a team to be taken seriously. 

Three points on the road! 🛣#LEIARS 🦊 1-3 ⚪️ (FT)

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 28, 2021

Unfortunately, this has not happened often enough and the tune of this writer could have been very different had Pierre Emerick Aubameyang not scored with minutes to go in Arsenal’s second leg tie against Benfica.

When looking at the league table, the Gunners are only seven points behind Chelsea in fifth and eight behind West Ham in fourth. Now a European place feels a bit of a stretch at this stage, considering how bad things were, it is odd to think that there is such a small gap and that Arsenal is still very much in the mix for those top five places.

Europa League is Arsenal’s priority

It is clear that Mikel Arteta’s priority is the Europa League and rightly so, as it presents Arsenal’s only real shot at playing European football next season but it is also the last chance for silverware. Drawing Olympiacos was written in the stars, wasn’t it? After knocking out Arsenal at the Round of 32 stage last season after Aubameyang missed an absolute sitter in extra time, the Gunners have a chance at revenge and in all reality, should progress to the next phase of the competition.

The other thing that gives hope to Arsenal supporters is that despite Bukayo Saka and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang being rested against Leicester, the Gunners were in cruise control from the moment they conceded a “typical” Arsenal goal within the first six minutes.

Leicester, a top-four side in anyone’s mind barely gave a hint of trouble to Mikel Arteta’s side. Now yes Brendan Rodgers was without a host of players but so too was Arsenal and it does give hope that perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to Arteta’s vision.

Gunners one of the favorites for Europa League

While for many Arsenal are still lightyears away from being where they want to be, there is progress being made, and a top-five spot although unlikely is still attainable. As is the Europa League with the Gunners expected to be favorites over the majority of teams they face aside from AC Milan, Tottenham and Roma.

🏆 The draw for the last 16 of the #UEL has been made!

🇬🇷 We will be facing @olympiacosfc 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 26, 2021

At least there is something to hang on to and chase heading towards the end of the season as one can only imagine the scenes had Arsenal gone out to Benfica last week. Although it still feels like a long shot to win the competition, all fans want is hope, something to cling to and at this stage, Arsenal is doing their best to end the season on a high.

After being in a potential relegation battle earlier in the season, it seems that Mikel Arteta is finally taking the club in the direction it wants to go.