Arsenal Vs AC Milan: Well, the season really is on the line now

Many times this year I have said that Arsenal’s season is on the line, that the next fixture is the biggest of the campaign. Well, Thursday’s trip to Milan really is that.

It would be a gross understatement to say that this has not quite been the ideal campaign for Arsenal football club. While those hopes of a genuine title challenge were only ever tentative ones, and, in hindsight, can be considered utter folly given the remarkable form of Manchester City, I am not quite sure that anyone expected it to be quite this disappointing.

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At many different points in the year, especially more recently as the team’s form has deteriorated and the desperation for results has intensified, I have stated that the next fixture is the ‘biggest game of the season’.

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Obviously, by that somewhat tenuous and overworked cliche, what I mean is that the biggest game of the season up until that point. It is not possible to state the significance of a game in respect to a season that has not yet been completed. But the point of an increasing urgency and necessity for a win is an important and pertinent one. Because, as Arsenal prepare to travel to Milan for their Europa League last-16 tie with AC Milan, there may not be a better time for a victory, however unlikely that may seem.

After a run of four losses in succession, the worst stretch in 16 years, Arsene Wenger has come under increasing criticism, questioning, scrutiny and growing abuse from the fanbase and large factions of the media. This might be the worst time in a tenure that has suffered periods of great uncertainty and vilification, especially in recent years.

And now, with three defeats in their last three league fixtures, stretching back to the North London derby debacle at Wembley, the North London outfit now find themselves an unassailable 13 points behind Spurs in fourth. Champions League qualification, then, through the league, at least, is now beyond this team.

That leaves just one competition left for the Gunners to fully focus on: the Europa League. It is this competition that they face a stirring Milan who are unbeaten in their last 13 fixtures, inspired and invigorated by the gritty, abrasive, aggressive Genaro Gatusso.

His in-your-face style stands very much in contrast to Wenger’s comfortable, atmosphere-protecting philosophy. The two men are very different. And so, at this point in the year, are their teams.

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It is in this context — the pressure of impending calamity; the requisite of the last trophy; the desperation of victory; the quality, character, and commitment of the opposition — it is clear to see that this is the biggest game of Arsenal’s season. Let’s hope that they’re up to the challenge.