Will Arsenal Make It?

[Denis Hard]

So we anxiously wait for another season of great football but first, the CL play offs. Arsenal barely managed to make get their foot in the door but considering their present form do you think they'll manage to actually get into the Champions League group stages?

IMO unless they make some major signings before their big match, this time round Arsenal may just have to watch the CL from the sidelines?

What do you think?

 

[SpiralArchitect]

It atleast partially depends on the draw they get. Both Fenerbahce and PSV are capable of knocking them out. The fact that the 2nd leg is at Emirates does help them a bit.

I personally think that they'll make it unless Wenger completely loses the plot.

 

[caparica007]

PSV and Fenerbahce are teams that Arsenal can beat on a good day (let's say two good days ), they sure can. But if this depends on the signings things are not looking good for Arsenal, zero made and no really good perspectives of any sign at all. If Arsenal wants a stronger team I guess they will need to spend money.

 

[Denis Hard]

It's a vicious cycle. Spend money - get the players - get results.

Wenger's way is spend no cash and try to be no. 4 so he can get Arsenal into the champions league. Good thing is this plan of his is about backfire.

 

[deansaliba]

Aren't Arsenal still sorting their finances out from when they bought the new stadium? I've noticed since they moved they have been tightening their belt quite a bit. Personally I think they need to buy somee players if they want to finish in the top four this season. I'm actually amazed that Arsenal have stuck with him for so long considering the last bit of silverware was back in 2006? Somewhere around that time.

 

[caparica007]

I think Arsenal does have money, but really doesn't want to spend it. And yes, it is unbelievable that Wenger can be on the job 8 years without winning a trophy that would never happen here in Portugal or in any other part of the world I think.

 

[Denis Hard]

I'm actually amazed that Arsenal have stuck with him for so long considering the last bit of silverware was back in 2006? Somewhere around that time.

The Management still reveres Arsene because in the 2003-2004 season the team won the league without losing a match. So to them and the players in general he's some sort of icon? But past history is past history and Arsenal must wake up from dreamland and pursue real titles and not dwell on the past too much.

But anyway as long as the team still earns $$$ for the owners who cares about performance?

 

[caparica007]

You are quite right Denis, the Emirates are almost always full and Arsenal is making money, so the owners don't care about the results. It's just a shame for the fans that want to see the team winning and not money entering Wenger and the owners pockets.

 

[SpiralArchitect]

Wenger is an icon and he WAS one of the best managers in the world at a time. But all he's done over the past few years is systematically destroy his reputation. I still think their side is good enough for Champions League this season.

Not so sure about next season. What with the reinforcements Spurs have got for their side.

 

[Denis Hard]

Most football pundits assert that Arsenal has never been a force to reckon with in European football as far as CL is concerned. Right now, depsite their recent win against City, I have a feeling that they will be struggling to even make it to the top five in the Premier league.

As for the Champions league, if they get past the play-offs that is, I'm sure they'll not go beyond the groups stage.

 

[oo123Danch]

As long as Arsenal does not change its style of play, I think the team has the potential to go further in the Champions League. This is not the first time Arsenal players have had to pull up their socks.

I'm sure they will consider the match a start to good tidings for the season ahead. We are considering a team
that has made it to the highest level and stayed there for a long time.

 

[Denis Hard]

The same team that has consistently failed to click in the CL. Is it just a matter of ill luck dogging them each time? In 2006 what happened to Arsenal?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4773353.stm

Then again, twice Barcelone dumped them out of the CL?