Could Europa League Benefit Arsenal?

It was another disappointing season in the Champions League for Arsenal as Arsene Wenger's side crashed out in the last 16 for the seventh consecutive season. But this season was unlike others, as his team suffered a scandalous 10-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich.

In previous seasons, Arsenal have impressed in the group stages only to fall at the first knock out stage. However, despite finishing top of the its group in this season's competition, the last couple of seasons has seen them struggle at the group stage. Last season, it took a last gasp 3-0 win over Olympiacos in Athens for it to qualify for the knock out stages, after suffering three defeats at the group stage.

However, in spite of that, in previous seasons, Arsenal have gone on to successfully qualify for the champion league even after it continuous struggles in the competition, but this season is looking different so far.

Arsenal are currently fifth, four points behind Manchester City, with two games in hand, though Pep Guardiola’s side also have a game in hand.

While the other teams currently occupying the top four are largely in form and have been winning matches, Arsenal recorded their first win in the league since February after a 3-0 win over West Ham United. A victory that took them to fifth. This was after four defeats and a draw in five league matches which has resulted in them not just losing ground completely in the title race, but the top four.

Arsenal's record in the Champions League in Arsene Wenger's 21 years at the club reads:

One Final in 2006: (defeat to Barcelona)

Two Semi Finals in 2006 & 2009: (win over Villareal and defeat to

Manchester United)

Four Quarter Finals: 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010,

Last 16: (2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)

Arsenal's place in the Champions League has largely been reduced to participation as they have struggled to compete with the top clubs when they get to the knock out stages.

With the possibility of qualifying for the Europa league now a visible option with their place on the table with a third of the season gone, the club could benefit from playing in it.

First the Europa league have often been derided by English clubs because of the riches of the Premier League, and the difficulty of having to cope with playing on Thursday and weekends in the league, but clubs in Spain have used the Europa league has a launch pad to a successful campaign in the Champions League. Atletico Madrid's recent consistent displays in the Champions League was built on winning the Europa League, a triumph that enabled them to develop a winning mentality in Europe. This has translated to two final appearances in the Champion league which has been defeats to city rivals Real Madrid.

Arsenal could benefit from such. The club is in need of a winning mentality in Europe. And a change of competition could spark that into being. They have struggled to build any steam in the Champions League.

The Europa League could just be the place to build that steam. Last time they played in it in the old UEFA Cup, in 2000, they got to the final where they lost to Galatasaray.

However, some could point to the fact that same failings that have plagued Arsenal in the Champions League could still be evident in the Europa League if they play in it. Arsenal have struggled against teams like Dinamo Zagreb, Anderlecht and Olympiacos, sides that have similar standings with most teams in the Europa league. Which is to say it is not a giving that they could actually benefit from playing in it.

Still, a change of competition could actually make Arsenal break it hoodoo in struggling in the early stages of knock out football in Europe. Having the nous and experience to play under a different pressure, but in the same stage of a European competition and qualifying beyond that stage could only aid in building confidence in dealing with the pressure of Europe.

With a few games left of this season, and with it looking likely that champions league place finish is out of it hands, a Europa league placement could just be it for the coming season.