For the first time since 1996-1997 Arsenal have not qualified for the Champions League, raising questions about Arsene Wenger’s position at the club.
Despite a 3-1 victory over Everton on the last day of the season, Arsenal finished fifth after both Liverpool and Manchester City clinched emphatic wins over Middlesborough and Watford respectively.
Wenger, in his 21st season in charge of the North London club, has found himself the subject of intense criticism and pressure this season as his side has struggled to maintain the kind of form which has seen them finish in the top four for the last 20 seasons.
There has become a consensus among Arsenal fans that Wenger’s transfer policies and approach to management has become ‘outdated’ and his days at the club are numbered.
The numbers don’t lie. Arsenal haven’t won the league in 13 years, and it is Wenger who is bearing the full brunt of it.
But even as Arsenal’s continuous pursuit of a fourth Premier League title eludes them, it always seems they are a shoe-in for Champions League football year in and year out.
Until now, that is.
Missing out on the top four is a huge deal for the Gunners.
Champions League qualification represents roughly £50 million to Arsenal, and their absence among Europe’s elite next season could be damning for Wenger.
Sure, a decent Europa League run next season might hide the cracks, but Arsenal can’t hide from the fact they have underachieved this season.
The contracts of stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are still up in the air, however it is the contract of Wenger which should be the focal point of this offseason.
Wenger’s contract expires this summer, with a decision set to be made after Arsenal’s involvement in the FA Cup Final on 27 May, where they will take on Chelsea.
The result of that game might well prove critical.
Nobody can argue the success Wenger has had at Arsenal. Since his arrival from Japanese outfit Nagoya in 1996, Wenger has claimed 15 major trophies, three Manager of the Season Awards and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
And we haven’t even mentioned the ‘Invincibles’ team of 2003-04 who went a national record 49 games unbeaten.
Not bad, huh?
Unfortunately for Wenger, he hasn’t claimed a Premier League title since that historic season, leading to many of his own fan-base to turn on him.
‘Wenger Out’ banners have been everywhere this season, a reflection of how unsettled things are at the club.
It remains to be seen whether the Arsenal board take the advice of their fans or stay loyal to their favourite Frenchman.
Arsenal have a tough decision to make. They can either keep the longest serving manager in English football today and risk slipping further and further into mediocrity, or they bring in a fresh new face to energise fans and players alike.
Stan Kroenke, Alisher Usmanov, it’s time to make your call.
Ed Nixon
Roar Pro
Since Arsenal last won the league, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and even Leicester have won the league! Yes they have qualified for the CL year in year out, but when did that become the season objective? At what point did the Arsenal board accept they're not going to compete for the title with the squad they have, and what do Arsenal have without the CL?
Ed Nixon
Roar Pro
Thanks The Doc. Wenger's reluctancy to spend the big bucks when needed is really hurting Arsenal's chances of competing. They pulled out of signing Kane because he was too expensive, then ending up paying more for Xakha! If they fail do keep up with the big spenders you mentioned, then yes, there is a massive risk they fall further down the pecking order in an increasingly competitive EPL.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Arsenal should keep Wenger on. Firstly it's not easy winning the premier league. Having 20 seasons of Champions League football is just simply amazing. Ok so he has had one minor blip this year and they didn't qualify for the Champions League, big deal. I swear Arsenal fans are some of the most entitled and spoilt fans in football. Get rid of Arsene and you might finish 8th next season if your lucky.
The Doc
Roar Guru
Nice read Ed. Difficult times for Arsenal. Speaking to some my many Arsenal supporters there isnt much faith left in Wenger but if they are going to keep him the club needs to do 2 things 1. Appoint a technical director who overseas transfers thereby taking this away from Wenger who can focus on coaching. 2. Abolish the wage cap. I have been told (rightly or wrongly) that arsenal have a wage cap. This limits their ability to keep their best players but now is the time to let it and pay the wages that Sanchez and Ozil demand. Rather than go into their shell from a spending perspective, they need to increase it otherwise they will be left behind by City, united and Chelsea who all have unlimited spending potential.