Arsenal: Only two Premier League purposes remain

Arsenal are a little stranded in the Premier League, still wanting to win games but not being able to catch the top four. Consequently, only two purposes remain: The development of young players; the instilling of confidence.

As we draw towards the end of the international break and our focus re-centres on domestic football, it all, from an Arsenal perspective, at least, feels a little empty. There is no FA Cup. The Carabao Cup final was lost. The Premier League seems unimportant given their position in the table.

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There is, seemingly, only the Europa League left to play for. That, if all goes to plan, only provides five games of any meaning — two quarter-final legs; two semi-final legs, one final –, and that is assuming that they are able to progress through each round, which is far from a certainty.

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Nevertheless, Arsenal still have eight games remaining in the Premier League. While the results, in and of themselves and in regards to the standing in the table, do not necessarily matter all that much, that does not mean that there is no purpose to what is left of the league campaign. In fact, I can think of two very worthwhile reasons for why the league, if used correctly by Arsene Wenger, can still be of huge benefit.

The first is a little more obvious and apparent. Winning breeds winning. That should not be underestimated. From winning, the confidence begins to flow, the performances improve, winning follows, and so the circle continues. While the results in the Premier League do not matter, if they help instil a belief and positive spirit for the Europa League campaign, then they still have a great utility and purpose.

The second depends on Wenger’s use of the remaining of eight games. Very much like he has exploited the lesser pressure and significance of the EFL Cup and FA Cup this season and in past seasons, I feel that there is a perfect opportunity to provide game time to some of the talented young prospects in the squad against top-tier, senior competition.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, in his defensive midfield position, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah could all be given precious minutes between now and the end of the year to aid their development, knowing that if they were to fall flat, it would not matter all that much.

The balance of depth and development is a difficult one to find. In games that carry a greater significance, clearly, Wenger wants to prioritise the win, choosing experience on his bench to change the match late on, rather than relying on the turbulence and capriciousness of youth. But these games do not carry the same significance that they usually would.

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Consequently, if used correctly, I believe that the Premier League can still serve a purpose this year. It may not be the one that most had been hoping for, but it is still important, especially for the future of the club.