What is success? That may be a question that continues to pop up over the next few weeks for Arsenal as the introspection begins over their campaign so far.
The Gunners have been unlikely challengers for the Premier League this season, tipped to be around the top four battle, but actually leading the way for the majority of it. It had led to discussions over the possibility of Mikel Arteta delivering the title back to north London for the first time in nearly 20 years.
However, recent weeks have seen their large lead at the top of the division slip, with the side having now gone four games without a win. The gap at the top has been reduced to just two points, with City holding two games in hand, putting them in the driving seat to go on and win the league.
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There's still plenty to play for, given it isn't a forgone conclusion, however with it seeming likely, many are coming to terms with exactly what this season means to Arsenal. While it may not end in glory, it has seen them come close once again and they have already secured their place back in the Champions League.
That, in the eyes of Gary Neville, would be a success for the Gunners, having said on Sky Sports earlier this month: "They [Arsenal fans] would have snapped your hand off to be in this position at the start of the season. Arsenal finishing second would still be an unbelievable season... They struggled to get over the line last season. It wouldn’t surprise me if they did the same this year. Arsenal not finishing in the top four is huge, this isn't."
It's something that Pep Guardiola has agreed with, saying that finishing in the top four is still a huge success. The Spaniard is just one point away from ensuring that and when that was brought up in his press conference before Fulham, he said: "Look at Arsenal. They are already in the Champions League. Ask their owner or CEO what it means after seven years out the competition.
"Next season Arsenal will be playing the elite, best teams in Europe. And we'll be there. It's a success, absolutely."
The reality is that a top-four finish isn't how the season will be remembered if the Gunners do miss out on the title. However, it could prove to be the groundwork that props up a potential title push over many seasons to come and that, as a whole, is what success is built upon.
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