Champions League or busted?

Perhaps it shows how far Arsenal have moved under Arsene Wenger, that a few seasons ago to win at Highbury was something to crow about, lately opposing supporters have been cock-a-hoop at simply at getting a draw at the Emirates!

Two big questions seemed to have risen from Saturday’s game at the Emirates.

Firstly, did the outcome raise that question that no club fans like to be pressured to answer, namely, to satisfy their top money spending which are the most important, results or entertainment?

No-one would argue that a combination is by far the most desirable, but if only one can be more guaranteed which would it be? Which one does the club anticipate will constantly fill 60,000 seats? Massive possession, dozens of attempts but dodgy results seems to suggest the answer.

Secondly, did the starting line up provide evidence of Arsenal’s pre-occupation with winning the Champion’s League, ahead of domestic glory?

The boss made has made a fuss about the practicalities of fixture overload on players and has rightly criticized the fact that France played Thierry Henry for the full 90 minutes in a mid-season friendly. But if the club’s no.1 priority was the Premiership would he have rested TH from the starting line-up on Saturday?

The club seemingly has put their placed their silverware dreams in the CL but progress from the Group stages are still in doubt. Hamburg are third from bottom in their league and managed only a 0:0 at the weekend, normally Arsenal would fancy their chances, but as the German’s cannot even qualify for the UEFA Cup, pride is their only motivator and worryingly a draw would surely suffice that!

If that is the outcome bye bye Champions League and maybe the whole season could be busted even before the end of November!

[Source from; news.bbc.co.uk]