Arsenal news: Pundit issues ‘shock’ Champions League verdict after development
Arsenal will benefit from not qualifying for next season’s Champions League campaign.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the Gunners’ latest loss.
Arsenal were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United on Monday (16 May), handing Spurs the initiative in the race for the top four.
The result leaves the Gunners two points behind their city rivals, who travel to Norwich City on the final day of the season (22 May).
Thanks to Spurs’ goal difference, they essentially require a draw to secure Champions League football.
However, Kenny insists Mikel Arteta’s side may be better off competing in the Europa League.
“This might come as a shock but I think Arsenal might actually be better off in the Europa League,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I’m not sure they are ready for the Champions League. I look at that squad and I don’t see a team that can do well in the Champions League.
“They would be in pot four, so in all likelihood, it would be a hard group. That means more losses and more pressure on Arteta.
“That being said, they will need to recruit either way because now they will be playing Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday.
“I’m not sure they have the squad for that but it won’t be as bad as if they were in the Champions League.”
Arsenal face Everton on the final day of the season as they hope for Tottenham to slip up at Carrow Road.
The Toffees secured their Premier League status with a win over Crystal Palace on Thursday (19 May).
In other news, Arsenal have been handed a Champions League ‘lifeline’ after a Uefa ruling.