Arsenal have blown a golden opportunity

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A few weeks ago, Arsenal looked set to comfortably qualify for the Champions League via their Premier League position.

However, a 1-1 draw with Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon means that barring a miracle the Gunners will not to finish in the top four in the English top-flight.

The draw leaves Unai Emery’s side three points behind neighbours and fourth-place Tottenham, with an inferior goal difference of eight goals heading in the final gameweek of the season. It would be a big stretch to expect an eight-goal swing on the last day of the campaign.

That means for a third consecutive campaign, Arsenal will miss out on finishing in the top-four, which for a club the size of the Gunners is a majorly poor run. The season has not been a terrible one, but the team from north London have failed in their primary objective of a top-four finish.

In truth, they only have themselves to blame for the failure. The Gunners had a top-four spot within their grasp, as they had very winnable games at the end of the season.

However, the north London team have won just once in their last six league matches, while suffering four defeats in the process. The team’s current run of form suggests that Emery still has major work to do to turn Arsenal into a force again.

The Gunners have a second chance of securing Champions League football for next season, by winning the Europa League. Emery’s side are 3-1 up heading into their semi-final second leg of Europe’s secondary competition on Thursday night.

However, even if the Gunners overcome their Spanish opponents, then they may have to face London rivals Chelsea in the final of the competition. On current form, they may struggle to overcome Maurizio Sarri’s team.

This season could have been so different with a few better performances in the last few weeks. The Gunners have failed to live up to expectations in the last few months and it may cost them dearly.