Two back-to-back defeats, four wins from 12, and the club's worst start to the season for 32 years have left many Arsenal fans questioning whether the Gunners will achieve a place in the top four this season. It's a question that has been raised time and time again over the last couple of seasons, but Arsenal always end up producing a miracle at times to reach the top four.
However, the club's worst start since the 1982/83 season under Terry Neill has signalled a huge amount of worry amongst the fans. There are many reasons for why qualifying for a 17th successive Champions League is achievable, but there are also a few as to why it would be an uphill task.
Why Arsenal can reach the top four:
Year apon year it's been tough for Arsenal, and this may be their toughest battle for fourth place yet. What's encouraging though is that Arsenal will without doubt get better this season. That is signalled by the imminent return of key players, which will boost their chances of securing Champions League football for next season. Mesut Ozil and Mathieu Debuchy are to return in the new year whilst Giroud, Walcott and Koscielny have just returned to the fray after lengthy injury spells. Their arrivals on the scene will only improve the side. Had Arsenal not suffered the injuries they have this season, especially at the back, then they wouldn't currently be 15 points behind leaders Chelsea. They may even still be in the title race.
Another reason why Arsenal should be confident of reaching the top four is that the Gunners competition for that spot are also not playing as well. Manchester United have also had injury problems, and they currently sit in that fourth spot just two points ahead of Arsenal. However, the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham have been well below par this season whilst even Manchester City have struggled for form despite sitting in third. The dominant force is Chelsea and they'll have to drop a magnitude of points if they're not to win the title. Southampton meanwhile aren't expected to last the pace, meaning come the end of the season, Arsenal should be in the top four.
Arsenal's offensive quality has improved heavily this season, and that is predominantly down to Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean has played a signifcant part in the Gunner's campaign so far, scoring 13 in 20 appearances. If he stays fit then he'll continue to play a large part in Arsenal's quest for Champions League football next season. It has been argued that Arsenal have been reliant on him this season, and if he continues to play in the same manner as he has done so far, then Gunners fans should be confident of a top four finish.
Why Arsenal may struggle to reach the top four:
Injures. Something that has plagued Arsenal for what seems like forever now could be costly, and it's a pivotal reason as to why they currently sit eighth in the Premier League. If the injuries continue to fall, as they did against United and Dortmund as Wilshere and Arteta had to come off, then the Gunners could continue to struggle, particularly if the defence don't improve. To lessen the blow of any potential injuries then Arsenal will need to strengthen the squad in January and really add depth, especially in defence.
Too many times this season Arsenal have been guilty of making simple mistakes. Mistakes that could easily be cut out had they learned their lessons from previous matches, and indeed previous seasons. Last season it was the big games that was a huge weakness, but this season even the smaller teams have been catching Arsenal out. If the Gunners are to qualify for next season's Champions League then they'll have to cut that out and ensure they heavily improve their play.
Verdict:
The reasons for why Arsenal could struggle to reach the top four come the end of the season can easily be ammended. However, Arsenal haven't learned from their mistakes so far this season so only time will tell if they finally will learn from the errors they're making. The reasons why Arsene Wenger's men can make the Champions League heavily outweigh the reasons why they can't. With key players to return, other teams around them also failing, and Alexis Sanchez playing like he is, then there is no reason why Arsenal shouldn't be in the top four come May 2015.