Arsenal: 3 positives from 2-1 defeat to Brighton

Manchester United & West Ham Both Lost

Yes, that is where we are. While we’re not entirely kissing goodbye to top four now, there needs to be some realistic expectations.

It would be nothing short of a disaster if Arsenal don’t at least secure Europa League football. This club can not be involved in the Conference League. It would be unacceptable considering where they got themselves to, whether or not the team suffered critical injuries.

Leaning back on realistic expectations, given how crushing said injuries have been and the respective run-ins for both north London clubs, it’s going to be an almighty ask to finish in the top four. So, consolidating a top six place is paramount.

Therefore, while West Ham and Manchester United weren’t considered of any concern previously, both of them losing on the same weekend Arsenal dropped points is hugely beneficial. Spurs are the (painful) real winners, but Arsenal have to look at the results and be somewhat thankful that it didn’t get even worse than it did. It’s hard to see it that way, admittedly.

Given that the Gunners still have to play both those sides, the pair of them slumping to defeats at the same time has to be seen in a positive light. European football is the absolute minimum for this team.

Heck, we’re trying here, right?