Too little too late for Gunners in European push

Arsenal’s push for a place in next seasons UEFA Europa League were crushed on Wednesday night as West Ham’s victory put distance between themselves and their London rivals meaning the highest the Gunners could finish would be 7th therefore only potentially being eligible for the UEFA Conference league.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: A general view inside the Emirates Stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League Semi-final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Villareal CF at Emirates Stadium on May 06, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

By Dan George21 May 2021 10:58 BST

Despite Arsenal’s dramatic 1-3 victory vs Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night, this win was all in vain as West Ham United’s victory confirmed that the Hammers would finish Above Arsenal for the first time in Premier League history.

Late drama in Selhurst

Arsenal scored two goals in injury time to snatch the victory from Roy Hodgson in his final game in charge of his boyhood side Crystal Palace.

A Nico Pepe brace and Gabriel Martinelli effort cancelled out Christian Benteke’s header in the 62^nd minute.

This Victory was Arsenals fourth in their previous five games and, ensured the three points returned to north London.

Young players shine through a poor season

Arsenal’s young players have remained a shining light throughout this season to forget. However, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli have given Gunners fans reason to smile and be optimistic for the future.

Despite their best efforts, the Arsenal Youngsters haven’t managed to push their side into the top European places but, next season, with logical investment and more chances given to the exceptional Hale End talents, Gunners fans have reason to be hopeful.

UEFA Conference League hopes

Arsenal can still qualify for the European Conference League if results go their way on the final matchday of the Premier League season.

The north London club would need Everton and rivals Tottenham to taste defeat on the final matchday of the season to qualify for the conference league.

Ever since the Gunners beat Chelsea 3-1 at Emirates Stadium on boxing day, they have performed to a much higher standard, winning some big ties and claiming three points away from home.

Mikel Arteta’s Achilles heal this season has been his home form as the Gunners have lost a number of important games in North London.

Arsenal also went through a tough period in the first half of the season where they struggled with injuries and key players not being on form.

If The Arsenal can maintain a level of consistency throughout the whole of next season, then, they should be destined for the UEFA Champions league spaces.

It is imperative that this summer’s business is productive, and Edu Gaspar brings suitable reinforcements for Mikel Arteta to bolster his squad.

As well as heavy investment, a lot of players will need to leave due to being on high wages and not fitting as part of the long term project.