Arsenal Vs Ostersunds: 5 things we learned – Job done

1. Europa League is now number one priority

Saturday’s North London derby loss was damaging in more ways than one. Not only did it resign fans to ridicule in the week, but it also thrust Arsenal into a rather worrying Premier League hole. They slipped to seven points behind their most hated rivals. They are now eight points off the top-four pace, 27 points off the title pace, and are looking like a season resigned to the sixth position.

Their Champions League pedigree, then, is under threat. A second season absent from Europe’s most valued and precious competition would be disastrous. And so, like Manchester United last season, the attention turns to the oft-maligned, ever-overlooked, rarely-prized Europa League.

The winners of the competition will qualify for next season’s Champions League. Not only is it now a trophy, which should always be valued, but it also kills the Champions League bird also. Wenger, given the strength of his selection and the intensity of his team in the early stages, seems to have adopted Jose Mourinho’s strategy. Wise.

Next: Arsenal Vs Ostersunds: Player ratings

There is still a long way to go. There are still some excellent teams in the draw that will be difficult to beat. But Arsenal have as good a chance as any. They should be chomping at the bit to take it.