Tim Sherwood has told Premier League Productions that there is ‘no chance’ the Arsenal directors will get their wish of the club securing Champions League football this season.
After the highs of beating Manchester United at Old Trafford, those in North London came crashing down in a very worrying fashion following their defeat to Aston Villa prior to the international break.
It has left Mikel Arteta’s side with four defeats to their name and fans unsure as to where they are currently at or even where they are heading.
And whilst Sky Sports pundit Sherwood thinks Arteta has ‘lifted the cloud’ at the Emirates Stadium, he doesn’t think a top-four finish beckons at the end of the campaign.
“There was a cloud hanging over Arsenal and Mikel has, for some reason, lifted that cloud,” said Sherwood. “Why that is lifted because of the FA Cup. It cannot be anything other than that.
“Their record at the last part of the Premier League season was the worst since 1994, so it hasn’t been a great return from the league side.
“I mean what is the objective for Arsenal football club? What is success for them? I’m not sure. I think if you ask the directors they will say ‘finish in the Champions League’. I think they have no chance.”
Arsenal’s record transfer deals
- Nicolas Pepe
£72 million
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
£56 million
- Alexandre Lacazette
£52 million
- Thomas Partey
45 million
- Mesut Ozil
£42 million
One thing is for sure, Arteta needs time to re-build a club that has stagnated and been knocked down far too many times for the past 15 years.
Quality aside, this is more a physiological battle for the Gunners because the old George Graham side of the ’90s and the untouchable years under Arsene Wenger have gone now.
Arsenal aren’t seen in that light anymore, they have lost that fear factor, and like Liverpool, it’s going to take time to build that back up. It’s just a case of whether those in the boardroom and the fans will be patient.
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