Arsenal were given their first loss of the season to Newcastle on Saturday – in what was rather dubious fashion, but now their attention turns to the Champions League again.
It’s the talk of the Premier League this week. Should Anthony Gordon’s goal have stood? Mikel Arteta certainly didn’t think so.
Nevertheless, the result is final and unfortunately granted the Gunners their first loss of the 23/24 campaign.
Should fans be worried about slipping out of the top four? Definitely not. However, there is a change this year that may allow Arsenal to finish fifth and still come out with a Champions League spot.
Arsenal could finish fifth and get Champions League – how?
No, it isn’t by just winning the competition this season… a new rule change means that there could potentially be five teams in the Premier League this season who obtain a Champions League spot.
As per the official Premier League website, the Champions League has a changed format for the 24/25 season, which now means the usual 34 teams turn into 36.
This means that two more places are up for grabs, which are being given out to two leagues of differing nations.
These are given out based on which nations perform collectively the best in European competitions the prior season – which are the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
With English teams in abundance this season in Europe – it’s highly likely the Premier League will receive this privilege.
Arsenal should be comfortable anyway…
To be fair, Arsenal shouldn’t need this anyway. But it is nice to know that if Mikel Arteta’s side were to somewhat crumble, there is a bit of leeway heading into next year’s season.
There are very good teams in the English top flight this season. There are a good six or seven all in contention for a top-four spot.
This fifth chance at the epitome of European football will be lapped up by many – but probably not needed the way things are currently going for the Gunners.
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