http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2011/06/end_of_season_review.html As we look back on this season, through what will be a highly eventful close season and ahead to the next campaign, what condition has your club been left in? Here's my review: Arsenal - 4th Same old Arsenal. Wonderful, flowing style and memorable nights at the Emirates when Barcelona were beaten and Chelsea swept aside but once again no silverware and not even the meagre consolation of automatic qualification for next season's Champions League. Arsene Wenger was bursting with optimism in late February as the Gunners chased four trophies but they never recovered from losing the Carling Cup final to Birmingham City in the dying seconds. Arsenal finished the season with a whimper, prompting serious questions of Wenger's ethos and policies after six years without a trophy. He paid the price for failing to address obvious flaws in central defence, not helped by injury to Thomas Vermaelen, while a lack of physical presence and tenacity in central midfield was also telling. Criticism of Wenger is often met with an angry reaction from some Arsenal supporters but the realists will surely now accept that it is justified. Wenger will be under more pressure than ever to deliver success next season so he must address any flaws or Arsenal will once again be in Manchester United's shadow. The continuing march of Manchester City also threatens to put more distance between the Gunners and silverware, while Liverpool are ready to spend big and set their sights on the top four again under Kenny Dalglish. High points for Arsenal were the continuing development of Jack Wilshere into the centrepiece of their team for years to come and indications that Wojciech Szczesny has the natural talent to become the reliable goalkeeper Wenger has been seeking. This may be a defining summer for Wenger. If he gets his signings wrong, then the Arsenal mantra of "Arsene Knows" may come under even closer scrutiny. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As usual, implying that we will finish outside the top 4 next season, but not terrible summary. I especially like the final paragraph.
That's a fair assessment for me To be honest - we are one of three clubs (Utd, Chelsea the other two) who are automatically expected to win trophies every season. If they don't it's seen as a crisis. If utd don't win anything, they spend big, if Chelsea don't win anything, they bring in a new manager and then spend big. Arsenal, trying to do things differently have not been winning anything. But for clubs outside of the top 4, the pressure for success is measured on a far less intense scale
