Don’t hang your heads, Gunners. Despite losing to Liverpool, the Champions League is within reach

In the 27th round of the Premier League, Arsenal lost 0:2 to Liverpool, but Mikel Arteta’s men are not ashamed of their performance. The fight for the league title is even more muddled, but the 4th place, which guarantees the Champions League, is still firmly in the hands of the Gunners.

The more experienced won

In Wednesday’s game at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal built on the performances of the previous weeks. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka formed a compact duo in front of the defence, Martin Odegaard drove the home side’s offensive play and wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli kept the Reds’ backline busy.

True enough, Mané and co. kicked into a higher gear in the second half, with Diogo Jota capitalising on the goal. But before the opening goal of the game, Jürgen Klopp wanted to send two attacking aces – Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino – onto the field.

In a demanding match schedule, the German strategist wanted to rest his biggest stars, but he could not concede the looming points loss. In the battle with Manchester City for the title, every point gained is worth its weight in gold.

Perhaps Klopp himself was surprised by the goal scored, but he sent the aforementioned duo into the game nonetheless. Two goals conceded upset the home team, who had been playing at a high tempo up to that point. The more experienced Liverpool side had already taken control of the game.

Odegaard and co. can atone for the bitter defeat on Sunday at Villa Park.

The youth forward

But let’s not forget that the average age of Arsenal’s starting line-up is 23 years and 8 months. So a young, rambunctious, energised team is taking to the field. The lack of experience is made up for by the drive, movement and impulsive play that both coach Arteta and the club’s supporters bring to the Gunners’ game.

They all feel that Champions League participation is within reach. Not to mention the loss to the second Premier League team. After all, Arsenal have a point lead on Manchester United and West Ham United and, more importantly, two games less. They even have a three-point lead on the second North London team and a better record.

If Arsenal’s play maintains its standard, they will, compared to Liverpool, do better against the game-weaker Red Devils and the Hammers. Big games against Chelsea, Man United, West Ham and Spurs are still to come for the Emirates Stadium team.

If they translate these duels into points, we can conclude that Arsenal, under the Spanish strategist’s tutelage, have earned their place back among the English and European elite with honour.

Arsenal’s chances of finishing in 4th place: 90%

Source: Livesport, Transfermarkt, Twitter