This point was raised before and it could be true, but I also think some players from both teams are either burnt out or they are just simply not good enough.
It can still happen - yes. But I don't trust these players to step up when it matters. There have been countless occasions where the players have been given a lifeline to make the most of slip ups or to prove critics wrong about our brittleness. And each and every test we've come through, when we are expected to deliver, we have failed miserably. I just want the season to end now and want Summer to come. We need fresh blood.
What would concern me about Emery is that 50+ games into the season he still doesn't appear fully convinced over his strongest line up and formation. The reliance on Ramsey, weirdly increasing after he announced his departure, puzzles me. Poch has many, many creases to iron out of his managerial shirt, but we have seen on several occasions that if a player makes it clear that their future lies away from the club, he will immediately assign them a persona non grata and begin playing others in their position to get them used to the role. Perhaps you had literally no one else to do it, but the bottom line is I don't think Emery knows himself.
To all those who can't or won't understand. This is £1 million... please log in to view this image Multiply that by 50 and that's what we just had given to us by The Gooners. Now we can go shopping...
You're right about Emery not being fully convinced about his strongest line up or formation. The season-ending injuries for Bellerin and Holding were critical because we were extremely reliant on them to begin with. It was no surprise that, since they've been out of the team, our form has been very patchy. I think the biggest problem is he just doesn't trust many of the current players to carry out his tactical instructions. And I can't say I blame him. Which is why the CL income is very much needed, so we can change that, but it doesn't look like happening now. And he was left in a very ****ty position considering Xhaka had just signed a long-term contract the day after he arrived (which means it was all agreed and written up before Emery's arrival). Whoever sanctioned that move needs to be shot.
The following teams cannot finish above us Bournemouth Brighton Burnley Cardiff Crystal Palace Everton Fulham Huddersfield Leicester Manchester United Newcastle Southampton Watford West Scam Wolves ...for the love of all that is eldritch, make sure one more is added to the list next weekend
I just find it very unpalatable that we allowed those classless scumbags to steal 3rd. I blame RCL and his stupid avatar.
Leicester could still do us a favour If that favour involves Tielemans scoring a 97th minute winner from 30 yards before pulling out a contract from his sock to confirm he'll sign for us on July 1st, that'll be even better
I still think 5th place and winning the EL would represent a very solid first season for Emery, especially given the dross he inherited. Financially, it would be disastrous for you to be stuck in the EL for a 3rd season running. Having said that, I do think Chelsea would beat you in the event that you play them in the final. Too many f their players have too much experience winning trophies and will be able to handle the pressure far better than you will I'd imagine. And then there's the factor that Hazard will want a royal send-off and is simply too good for your defense to cope with.