Perhaps the most damning account of Arsenal's failure to win a trophy this season lies not with their play but the way they learn from their manager. Even in defeat when PSG were clearly the better side over the two legs in the Champions League Arteta was defiant. The best team was out according to him, he looked like a ball of anger. Someone who looked hard done by. Arsenal had a solid campaign but to suggest that the club have reached their maximum potential also suggests that Arteta may win nothing with them ever. We all understand Arsenal remain a strong team and at times a wonderful team to watch. Attacking flair with plenty of goals but the problems persists with the Gunners, they are unable to reach the next level required and it seems that Arteta may be holding them back. This doesn't mean that Arteta would not be successful with another team but his biggest problem is not coming to terms with the clubs weaknesses. He is stubborn and doesn't look like changing his mind anytime soon. But stubbornness can lead to continued delusions of grandeur. Arteta believes Arsenal are the best side in Europe, everyone else including the fans know otherwise.
You don't get any prizes for finishing 2nd apart from of course the extra money but if Arsenal slip from 2nd then this season will feel even worse for them. This is the case because despite Liverpool looking like a shoe-in for league winners since Christmas Arsenal have looked like never leaving 2nd place for 3rd or worse. But it's getting tight up there for a top 5 finish and it doesn't get any easier for the Gunners having to host Newcastle next. Looking at the fixtures we have predicted how we think 2nd to 7th will finish. Chelsea and Nottingham Forest may miss out on Champions League football for next season. However it is still incredibly unpredictable what could happen. Who could have seen Manchester City's 0-0 draw with bottom club Southampton at the weekend for example?
Our Predictions:
2- Arsenal 74
3- Manchester City 69
4- Newcastle 69
5- Aston Villa 67
6- Chelsea 66
7- Nottingham Forest 65
Top 5 finish: Arsenal 1.01, Newcastle 1.05, Manchester City 1.07, Chelsea 1.62, Aston Villa 2.25
Based on our predictions Aston Villa could be the best value to back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to Real Madrid but it is something that is leaving a bitter taste in Liverpool fans mouths. This weekend as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Arsenal in an effectively dead rubber game Alexander-Arnold the prodigal son was booed. This reaction from a defender who has been attached to the club for 20 years and played 9 professional seasons for them. So why the booing and were Liverpool fans correct to do so? On a human level the fans were wrong to boo Trent when you think of the service he has put in over the years, lauded as one of the great defenders lest we forget. He was even able to assist and score goals and has obviously been one of Liverpool's most important players. However football is big business and will forever be linked to money at least in the modern game. Trent will go to Madrid on a free, having let his contract run out at 26. Madrid has a history of having great players wanting to play for them and as a business model the club turning round and opening the door but with a catch- let your contract run down. Not only does the club get the player for nothing they can then pay the player much more generous wages. In short it's a win win for everyone except the club they are leaving. Let's remember it's not as if Trent is in his early or mid 30s, he still has a good 10 years in the game. So perhaps the fans venting their frustrations is indeed correct. Although no one should try to deny any player wanting to play for Real Madrid. The incident is unfortunate because it means that he will leave on a sour note despite the years logged in and having won the league title in his last season. Although perhaps that is the price he has had to pay to join Madrid and have grossly inflated wages.
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