Arsenal’s apparent and imminent failure in the hunt for a first Premier League title has sparked quite the varying reaction in the wake of the Brighton defeat. Manchester City are just one win away from their final three games against Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford from claiming yet another league championship.
Despite the overwhelming majority of Arsenal supporters at the start of the season not even dreaming of a title challenge for the season, there has been a sizeable backlash to the seemingly incoming City celebrations. Some supporters have even gone as far as to suggest this failure should see another manager replace Mikel Arteta.
Crazy, I know, but curious as to the thought process behind why a season which will likely end in a second-placed finish and a points total just shy of the Invincibles tally could be labelled a failure there was often a common response from the critics. Specifically, because the season had ended up trophyless, it couldn’t be a success.
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For me, whilst silverware is a physical marker of success in a competition what Arsenal have achieved across the season has shown clear progression and has successfully put the club in a stronger position to pursue the long-term objectives such as winning the league and competing for the Champions League. Yet the trophy line was still on my mind so, considering a scenario where a trophy was won but top four missed out on I put it to as many fans as I could.
In a poll which was voted on just shy of 5000 times, fans were asked if they would swap Arsenal’s current season, in which a second-place seems very likely, for a fifth-place finish but an FA Cup. The results were, it’s fair to say, convincing.
Just shy of 95% of those who voted went in favour of sticking with the current season. The tiny minority of those involved in the poll would have preferred the silverware and far worse position in the league.
With results like these, it’s fair to remove the factor of non-Arsenal fans voting and errors, it is conclusive. This season is appreciated for what it will bring to the club and the progression shown is valued greater than that of an FA Cup.
And this isn’t to diminish the value of winning an FA Cup, but what Arsenal have achieved this season has got them far closer to winning the league in both the short and long term future than a domestic trophy could have for the team. The experience, the reward of Champions League qualification, and the clear surmountable gap between Arsenal and City being revealed are all big bonuses from the campaign that in the context of Arsenal in 2023 are very appreciated indeed.
You can now vote too by having your say in the poll below.
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