Last season, Arsenal narrowly missed out on an EPL top-four spot and according to Roy Keane, the Gunners might suffer an identical fate this campaign as well.
Arsenal have had a wonderful summer transfer window, signing players like Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko and as per many pundits, they are the favourite to grab a Champions League spot.
However, Keane believes the likes of Spurs and Man United have also strengthened their squad and this could be a major factor in shaping the EPL top-four next summer.
Keane said(h/t Football London): “I couldn’t agree more I think this [previous season] was their opportunity [to return to the Champions League].
“They blew it, they got into a great position, four, five games to go in the season you think they’re in pole position and they blew it.
“They couldn’t get over the line. They were poor, the Newcastle game was a real blow to them where they never turned up and the manager was quite critical of them after the game, some of the players were – senior ones – so you wouldn’t be putting any bets on Arsenal to finish top four next season because the other teams, Man United will better – you’d of thought.
“Tottenham will be stronger, you can’t see it, big set-back.”
Will Arsenal miss out on a top-four finish in the EPL?
The Gunners have spent more than £100 million this summer and they are still looking to bring in one or two new players before the window shuts down.
But Roy Keane could be bang on with his prediction because Spurs and Man United have also pulled up their socks.
The Lilywhites have signed as many as six new players which include the likes of Richarlison, Perisic and Lenglet while Erik ten Hag has also patched up the Man United squad to a large extent.
Mikel Arteta might have brought in some big-name players but he will have to make sure his team don’t choke at crucial junctures just like they did last season.
Spurs have picked up Conte’s winning mentality over the previous year while United are also shaping up nicely under their new boss. This means Mikel Arteta will have little to no margin of error, especially in the EPL.
Winning a silverware would definitely help their cause but Arsenal’s main aim will be to beat the likes of Spurs and United to the top-four spot. In the 21/22 season, Arsenal lost as many as 13 league matches and if they can’t cut down on their losses, there’s no way they are going to get back amongst the elites of Europe.
There’s no denying the Gunners are one of the favourites to get back in the UCL but the other two sides are more than capable of stealing their thunder.
