Watching European football this week has been a painful experience for Arsenal fans. Even the Europa League theme has been a painful listen, let alone the Champions League chorus.
However, Arsenal are pushing to put themselves back into contention to qualify for the elite European competition and the events of this week’s midweek fixtures could have implications on their ambitions. Both West Ham United and Barcelona were in action and the results of their matches against Lyon and Eintracht Frankfurt, respectively, had Gunners’ supporters hooked.
West Ham went into the game tied with Lyon and were under threat of elimination with the second leg played in France and without Aaron Cresswell. However, a 3-0 win shocked the Ligue 1 side as West Ham progressed into the semi-finals.
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With the top four looking highly unlikely for West Ham, winning the Europa League would be the most likely route into the Champions League next season. A familiar sentence to read for Arsenal fans in the two previous campaigns.
The Hammers were drawn to play Barcelona or Frankfurt in the semi-final with the expectation that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s new side would progress comfortably after a serious turnaround in form since the winter window.
However, like West Ham, Frankfurt stunned the home crowd by going three goals in front. Before the third, Aubameyang had two brilliant opportunities but spurned both and was eventually hauled off for Adama Traore. It brought back memories of the infamous miss against Olympiacos for Arsenal, a moment that cost the Gunners progression on that occasion.
Frankfurt held on after conceding two late goals and now face West Ham. The importance of this result comes from the fixtures being scheduled to sandwich Arsenal’s trip to the London Stadium. West Ham will face the visit of the German side on the Thursday before Arsenal travel to east London on Sunday. The Hammers will then travel to Frankfurt for the second leg the following week.
Arsenal will know that West Ham will likely be prioritising their European exploits and hope David Moyes plans to rest key figures for the weekend’s clash. Yet the lack of depth in the Scot’s squad could force Moyes to abandon the chance to rotate.
Had West Ham been facing Barcelona, their chances of progression would have been perceived as much slimmer. However, with the overwhelming tournament favourites out, West Ham will feel emboldened to defeat both Frankfurt and the winner of RB Leipzig vs Rangers in the final.
It would prove one of the most historic moments in the club’s history and set further examples to teams about how smart recruitment and planning can elevate a team into the competitive sphere with the biggest sides. Arsenal can take plenty of tips from their London neighbours.
However, they will be encouraged by the opportunity to play West Ham so soon after their Europa League tie. Spurs won comfortably over the Hammers, taking advantage of their tired legs after Moyes' side had won in extra-time against Sevilla in the last round.
