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Could Arsenal in the Europa Conference League be positive?

By Trent Nelson

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal looks dejected after conceding their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal looks dejected after conceding their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Could Arsenal in the Europa Conference League be a humbling and positive experience for Mikel Arteta’s side? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Could Arsenal in the Europa Conference League be a humbling and positive experience for Mikel Arteta’s side? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

For many, getting into the new UEFA European Conference League is an embarrassment, far below Arsenal and its proud history. Yet in truth, as applies to Everton as well, this route might be the best thing for the Gunners.

The competition isn’t an embarrassment, but an opportunity. Only losing in this competition could even theoretically qualify as an embarrassment, yet doing so is just life, and without this risk, there is simply no real reward for being involved in the competition in the first instant.

Yet with this all understood, Arsenal, were they somehow able to qualify for it at this point, would have to be heavy favorites to win the league in its inaugural campaign. Having become mainstays near the top of the Europa League for several seasons, the Gunners would be among the most talented outfits in the tournament. That does not account for everything, of course.

To win these competitions, you need the best team, not necessarily the best players. While some of the great victors of each nation or European competition routinely do have a number of elite players, this is not always the case.

Could Arsenal in the Europa Conference League be a humbling and positive experience for Mikel Arteta’s side?

A team is how all of the players preform in concert with one another, and certainly the best players can theoretically play better with one another than the more mundane talent might be able to. Yet it is also true that players with better snugness with one another can out-play even the most talented individuals, should they not be in sync with their own squad.

As we have seen with Arsenal, great talent can be muted in an instant by great team cooperation, and it might just be that competing at this level helps to create the camaraderie and understanding on the football pitch that translates to better, future performances.

Certainly falling so far from the Champions League is disappointing, yet the path to glory rarely remains so sterile and picturesque; this tournament would be better than nothing, and winning it in its first season would be a step back into the Europa League, which is sadly where this club is.

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