Arsenal squeak past Benfica – but the future remains arduous

A Path Not of Leisure or Ease: Arsenal in England and Europe

Should Arsenal wish to challenge for Europa League spot still, they will need to string together some victories. A date at Leicester will be the sides’s newest opportunity to demonstrate their ambition, and while the Foxes are reeling currently, having been dropped from the Europa League themselves by Slavia Prague, they will be no easy task. A victory against them would be proper revenge for the 1-0 loss of late October, and would be proper timing to boot.

While 11th seems far off, it is only nine points in reality. The teams ahead of them range from declining, to ascending and everywhere in between. While Tottenham started off very well, they have cooled considerably and may focus on the Europa League in hopes of the Champions League next year, as well as an end to their sizable and storied silverware drought.

They sit above tenth place Leeds United, a club that has demonstrated thoughtful offensive skills, with inconsistent play behind Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo. Aston Villa has also shown sparks at times, but has again, appeared a show too much predicated upon the amazing ability of Jack Grealish. They, like Tottenham, appear on the decline and injuries will have to hit them eventually. While Spurs and Villa sit tied on 36 points, separated by goal difference, Everton and Liverpool loom ahead, tied at 40 and separated by goal difference.

Everton are clearly in the ascendant, while Liverpool, hit with injuries and poor form, are in the decline, despite their fantastic coaching and roster. In fifth, Chelsea sit only two points behind fourth place surprise package West Ham With Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea might be stabilized, yet the same might be said for West Ham since David Moyes has had his chance to mold the outfit.

Arsenal will need some multiple elements to go their way if they are to move up into European contention – after the Leicester match, the Gunners will visit Burnley, before hosting Tottenham.

A victory in the next round, no matter the opponent, is necessary for Arsenal, yet the matches in the Premier League will give them the chance to claw their way back in that competition as well. West Ham, Liverpool, Sheffield United, and Fulham are on the schedule up to the 17th of April. With two against better opposition, and two against relegation area competition, the Gunners can affect the standing and collect points during the upcoming run of games.

It is worth celebrating that the club was able to win against the great Portuguese outfit, yet to expand Arsenal’s potential to where it has previously been, Champions League football is essential. I can see the club getting there, either by Europa or the domestic route.

Both will be tall tasks, but we’ve seen difficulties overcome before, so why not this season? Why not, in the midst of the adversity of life, and football? Now is as good a time as any.