europa league action continues after Arsenal wins at Borisov with 4-2 against Bate. The Guardian highlights the spectacular win from Borisov and there is a certain hero of the day pointed out: Olivier Giroud. The French striker scored his 100 goals for Arsenal since joining the club from Emirates. In the context of a tough domestic opposition, the European Competition might end up being the main objective for Wenger's boys.
Arsenal hates finishing outside Top 4. This year they had to face the reality and accept the prospects of Thursday nights spent on a European tour.
Familiar with the fine taste of the UEFA Champions League feast, the North-east London side had to downgrade this season. For the ''Gunners'' the opponents are no longer the usual suspects from Bayern or Barcelona, but FC Koln or Bate Borisov. Unusual as it might seem, the fans have to look on the bright side as Premier League will be a tough, long and enduring ride this season. The two Manchester clubs and Chelsea are widely seen as big favourites for the title fight. While Liverpool and Tottenham will be Arsenal's rivals for the last spot which guarantees a place in the group stages of Champions League. But why should Arsenal consider Europa League as a key triumph this year?
Guaranteed place in Champions League
The winning club gets an automatic spot in the group stage of Champions League. Arsenal should not ignore the importance of Europa League even though the competition might bring to Emirates opponents like AC Milan, Lyon, Villareal, Nice, Lazio or even top-class clubs from Champions League such as Borussia Dortmund, AS Monaco or Atletico Madrid.
Guaranteeing a place in the highest European competition is one of the season objectives for Arsenal and Europa League might be the easiest and fastest way to secure the spot.
Two wins from two in Group H đź‘Ť#BATEvAFC pic.twitter.com/UR413us4uG
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 28, 2017
Boosting morale for the squad
The last time Arsenal won the Premier League trophy, Kylian Mbappe was only 5 years old.
In 2004, Wenger led his invincible squad to glory and a European trophy might take his current players to a different level. The magic of winning such a competition can represent a huge boost in the morale of the players. Just imagine the likes of Lacazette and Mertesacker after a successful campaign in the Europa League. For a club used to FA Cup supremacy lately, Europa League will represent the Holy Grail after years of disappointments and frustration.
Centurion đź’Ż#100livier pic.twitter.com/PXaOIRHCD6
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 28, 2017
Backup plan for domestic failure
Getting the fourth spot in the Premier League is similar to the title in Ligue 1 or Portuguese Primeira Liga. Arsenal will face the challenge to travel to Swansea or Stoke.
Or it will be another legendary clash with Manchester United or Tottenham. Bottom line is: It is no longer easy to reach the top four. Europa League can be Plan B in case the domestic campaign fails by February or March. It happened to Liverpool in 2015 and to Manchester United in 2016, as they focused on reaching the final of the European competition. Arsene Wenger can adopt the same tactics and it might be the winning lottery ticket for the French manager.