The Arsenal fans in the Football Transfer Tavern really have shown their frustration over the last two months as Champions League football becomes a distant hope for the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger has constantly come under wave after wave of scrutiny following his team’s dismal performances since the turn of the year, which has seen them fall seven points behind the top-four.
Our Arsenal-mad punters have shown their vexation and it’s understandable as to why as the club is almost undoubtedly going to miss out on the world’s most prestigious continental competition.
If they do want to finish in the top-four, which would be hugely surprising, then they will need to start racking up the points quickly and won’t be able to afford any slip ups – with some games coming against teams currently above them in the table.
So with that in mind, here are three matches which could define Arsenal’s push up the league….
Arsenal v Leicester City
With the only silverware the Gunners can win this campaign being the FA Cup, that will be Arsene Wenger’s main priority if he does happen to leave the Emirates in the summer.
The visit of Craig Shakespeare’s Leicester City comes just three days after their semi-final outing at Wembley so it is destined to be a difficult encounter, especially as the Foxes are in good form following a revival to avoid relegation.
The Football Transfer Tavern’s landlord can see this as going in two ways; if Arsenal bring in all three points then a top-four push is not out of the question but a defeat means they may have to be satisfied with Europa League football.
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
The supporters by the bar are already anticipating this fixture as it stands out from the rest – the North London derby as Arsenal travel to title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur.
Form completely goes out the window for this game and it’s all about passion and pride, something admittedly the Gunners are currently lacking but we’re sure the fans will be able to entice their players.
A victory at White Hart Lane could mean that Arsene Wenger’s side will be more confident and that could bode well in their Premier League run-in with a positive string of results.
Arsenal v Manchester United
Our landlord would say the visit of Manchester United will be the pivotal game of Arsenal’s campaign as both giants of the sport are set to battle it out for a top-four push.
The Gunners encountering the Red Devils is always an exciting tie and never fails to disappoint for the neutral, but the players have to remain focused to pick up the victory and strive for Champions League qualification.
An away win may result in Jose Mourinho’s men getting the place in the top-four, however, if Wenger’s team can gain the three points then that could very well define Arsenal’s ambition.
Gunners fans, what do you think? Will these three matches determine where you finish in the table? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
