Arsenal review: Best game, worst game, best moment, worst moment & targets

Season Targets – Top Six

Before the season began the realistic target for this group was a return to the Europa League. At the absolute best it would have been fifth. While the season has since turned around, only the most barmy or staunch fans could have ever seriously predicted a top four finish.

Is that now an achievable target after 11 matches? It’s definitely achievable and the club should always set their sights high, but as far as being realistic goes a top six place still has to be the aim.

Well, instead of aim, it might be better to list it as the minimum expected. That sounds better.

This team is the youngest in the division (we’ve heard that a few times) and the inconsistencies that will come as a result can’t be discounted. On a ten match unbeaten run, the November and December fixtures are a daunting set and if Arsenal can come through them still in the top six mix then they should be happy.

Add to that the midfield concerns when AFCON comes around, and the possibility of more key injuries (if Gabriel is crocked then it’s a big worry) and sights should still be on returning into European competition.

Manchester United’s utter uselessness and the faltering form of the Leicester’s and Tottenham’s of this league have presented a gap in the Champions League places. It is there for the taking for someone. It just isn’t wise to look too far ahead at this point.