What once appeared a dream of an unprecedented quadruple has unravelled within two weeks for Arsenal, who have suffered back-to-back domestic cup setbacks, raising fresh concern that the North London side could yet finish the campaign empty-handed.
Much has been made of the Gunners’ prospects of finally getting over the line to end their six-year wait for silverware, and for a time it seemed they might make up for lost ground with a clean sweep of the available honours.
Rewind to mid-March and Mikel Arteta’s men were one match away from ending a more than 30-year wait for EFL Cup success, had a favourable FA Cup quarter-final tie against Southampton, appeared on a relatively kinder route to the Champions League final, and were sitting comfortably at the summit of the Premier League table.
However, hopes of a quadruple quickly reduced to three after defeat to Manchester City in the mid-season showpiece before dreams of a treble suffered another blow with an embarrassing loss at St Mary’s, leaving the Arsenal faithful with mounting anxiety.
With only the Premier League and Champions League remaining as realistic avenues for silverware, Sports Mole assesses Arsenal’s chances in both competitions in this piece, while also considering how the season might be judged should they end up claiming only the domestic title, which presently appears the more attainable objective.
Assessing Arsenal’s Premier League chances
Arsenal remain firmly in control of their own destiny in the top flight, currently sitting nine points clear at the summit with seven matches left to play, albeit having played one game more than second-placed Manchester City.
It would therefore take a notable collapse for the North London club to surrender the domestic crown, although a potential title decider awaits on April 19 when the Gunners travel to the Etihad to face Pep Guardiola’s side.
That fixture keeps the door ajar for City, as victory in the high-stakes showdown would apply real pressure, while additional banana skins could arrive in home meetings with Newcastle United and Fulham, along with a trip to a West Ham United side that may still be battling for survival.
However, the Citizens also face a demanding run-in, including a visit to a struggling Chelsea outfit, an away clash with a stubborn Everton side, and a final-day encounter against an Aston Villa team that could still be chasing Champions League qualification.
Few would rule out City producing a relentless finish given previous title races, and their recent EFL Cup triumph over Arsenal may also hand the Manchester club a psychological edge in the closing weeks.
Nevertheless, the Gunners have demonstrated resilience throughout the campaign, grinding out results even when not at their fluent best and avoiding prolonged downturns, and while it remains to be seen whether they will get over the line, the current standings suggest they remain favourites to lift the trophy.
Assessing Arsenal’s Champions League chances
Placed on the less demanding side of the knockout draw, Arsenal edged past Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16 and now face a Sporting Lisbon side making their quarter-final debut in the competition.
Despite a slight dip in domestic momentum, the Gunners hold the upper hand on paper thanks to stronger pedigree and an impressive continental record, having won nine of their 10 matches in Europe this season, a run that saw them finish top of the league phase with a perfect record.
Should Arteta’s men progress, they would meet either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, and the Premier League side would still fancy their chances against opponents who have shown vulnerability in several high-profile encounters this term.
However, with the Champions League demanding sustained excellence against elite opposition and Arsenal still seeking a first triumph in the competition, the Premier League title appears the more attainable objective between the two remaining pursuits.