Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Expectation Lays Foundation

Arsene Wenger is expectant of his Arsenal players as they enter the crucial close of the year. Such expectation lays the foundation for their top four hopes.

Entering the season, there was much uncertainty over what would constitute a successful season. Did Arsenal need to win the Premier League for them be considered victorious? Progress further in the knockout stages of the Champions League? Win the FA Cup?

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What was certain was that everybody had different expectations for the year ahead. Even Arsene Wenger must have admitted that he had little idea of how well his side would fare. However, one thing that can perhaps be agreed upon is that failing to finish in the top four would constitute failure.

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And that is a position that Arsenal currently find themselves in. When asked about the prospects for the remainder of the season as his side try to haul their way back into the Champions League qualification spots, Wenger revealed, in his pre-match press conference before Saturday’s trip to West Brom, that there is no room for error:

"“We want to play in the CL next season we have a tough job with six, seven teams fighting for the places. We are in the semi-final of the FA Cup and have an opportunity to do that. You don’t really know where you stand you haven’t played the same number of games but what is for sure is we are in a position where we cannot waste points. You can never afford to lose. West Brom is traditionally a tough game but it is also a chance for us to come back to a position that is much closer.”"

Such comments are revealing to hear. Wenger is rarely so pressure-driven when he tries to motivate his players. While what he says is clearly true; Arsenal cannot afford to drop points against West Brom on Saturday if they harbour hopes of hauling back Liverpool, Spurs et al.

The expectation that Wenger places on his players is a foundation for the team for the remainder of the year. It is the minimum goal that they must aspire to. Anything less would mean a disastrous year for the Gunners; the first time they finish outside the top four since Wenger’s hiring.

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If Arsenal did indeed finish outside the top four, then it could well be the end of Wenger. Perhaps that is why he is putting such pressure on his players to perform. No slip ups from here, lads.