SURVIVAL

Thursday's fixture is by far the most important game in our season. Win it and we are one step nearer to a possible Europa League final and the chance to get back in the big time of the Champion's League. Lose, and its going to be a long few months.

The Arsenal cannot afford to fall further behind the elite and therefore any chance we have to get back in the ECL needs to be firmly grasped. The economics of modern football, particularly in a post Covid world, absolutely require ECL football for revenue and the ability to attract players. It's not about being in a position to win it, as the Arsenal are light years behind the likes of PSG and Bayern Munich, but its an earner that's vital for any chance of our survival as an elite club.

Its looking unlikely that a Europa League place is achievable via the league and aside from it being a rather irritating tournament, it would be important financially to be in Europe's second tear competition if ECL qualification doesn't happen.

On a purely football level not being in Europe for a season is not the end of the world. In relatively recent times Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea have had a season out of Europe and their stadiums did not implode. But those times were not post pandemic.

Arteta's future is, of course, inextricably linked to Thursdays result. Win and the much talked about process can continue. Lose and a mid table finish is the only thing on the horizon  alongside a compromised summer transfer window. Should we go out on Thursday I don't envisage Arteta surviving the calender year in the Emirates hot seat.