Why are Arsenal not playing Europa League football this week? Some have asked as Mikel Arteta‘s side sit out the Round of 32.
The Gunners are not in European action this week despite the fact Manchester United take on Barcelona and RB Salzburg clash with Roma, among other mouthwatering encounters.
So, why are Arsenal not playing Europa League football as well? Let’s take a look…
Why are Arsenal not playing Europa League?
Well, the answer is actually quite straightforward.
Manchester United, Barcelona and others are in Europa League action this week due to the fact they didn’t win their respective groups.
However, Arsenal managed to win Group A ahead of PSV Eindhoven, finishing with 15 points from a possible 18.
As a reward for their efforts, they were allowed to bypass the Round of 32 and go straight into the Round of 16.
Nevertheless, it is not exactly a week off for Arteta’s men, as they face a hugely significant meeting against Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
If the Citizens beat the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, they would go level on 51 points at the top of the Premier League, which would be a nightmare for Arsenal given the fact they were recently eight points clear.
Having said that, Pep Guardiola’s side have played a game more than Arsenal, so Arteta would still have the chance to move three points ahead if he wins that game in hand.
Regardless of what happens in the Premier League, Arsenal have a great chance to win the Europa League this season given their stunning form so far – if it happened, it would be their first European title since winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the Round of 16 draw following the two-legged Round of 32 clashes, as Arsenal could be drawn against a European heavyweight.
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