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Arsenal: Europa League absolutely must be taken seriously
By Henry Payne
With the Premier League being so competitive, Arsenal Football Club must take the Europa League seriously.
The Premier League is the most competitive league in the world. That statement is not up for debate. Arsenal are not up to the task of confidently finishing inside the top four, let alone winning the title.
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Even if the Gunners miss out on a top four place, win the Europa League and they are guaranteed a spot in Europe’s elite competition next season. Manchester United used the Europa League to their advantage last season, and they’ve used it as a springboard for further success on and off the field.
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There was a report earlier in the summer that stated that Arsene Wenger would play youngsters and fringe players in Europe’s lesser competition, but that was reliant on the fact that they would sustain a Premier League title challenge.
We’re mere weeks into the new season, but I would say that the Gunners are unlikely to challenge for the Premier League title this season. The talent is there, the mindset is not. Same old story. Champions League places will also be heavily contested.
We must take this competition by the scruff of the neck. If we’re able to coast through the group stage without putting any of our stars at risk, great. If we’re struggling, I’m all for taking the risk. This competition may end up becoming our priority.
We know how difficult the Premier League will be. We know our group stage opponents, we know who could contend for the trophy. There is no reason why we should not take this competition seriously.
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We all want to see success like we did between 1997 and 2005. Let’s hope a return to those days starts with a victory against FC Köln.