Article by: Matthew Wood
For years a fight for fourth place wasn’t even considered a possibility, as it was always assumed these places would be taken by, the “top four.” However with more investment coming for the middle table clubs, each year, the gap has been closing, and this year could be the year when David finally beat’s goliath.
As I write this article, Aston Villa stands in 4th place, while Arsenal are 5th.  Villa currently have 7 more points than Arsenal, recently beating Blackburn. Arsenal however had a 0-0 draw against Spurs this weekend; this wouldn’t be so bad if Arsenal hadn’t drawn their last 4 games. Not the form of a team challenging for a Champions League space.
Many have been spectating why Arsenal have been the host of bad form this year, some blame the injuries, some blame the lack of experience and a captain, and some have blamed Arsenals reluctance to spend money. Those who blame injuries have a fair argument as Cesc Fabregas, arguably Arsenal’s best player, has been injured for a good period of the season. Those who blame Arsenals lack of experience also have a point because in one particular match Arsenal had an average age of just 19. The idea that Arsenal don’t have enough experience also ties in with their reluctance to spend money. Boss, Wenger, though has seemed to realise that they need a leader with some experience, and has taken moves to try and sign, Andrei Arshavin, who has been linked with all sort of high ranking clubs throughout the globe. The 27 year old first got clubs interest after stunning performances at Euro 2008. However, is this the man to get Arsenal where they want to be, or has the damage, already been done?

It’s not just the decline of Arsenal that has been leading up to this, for a long time clubs like Everton, Man City and Aston Villa have been putting more and more investment in to  transfers.  Aston Villa have been making smart buys such as Ashley young, Sidwell and Friedel. Not big name signing but each had qualities that complement each other. Martin O’Neil should take credit for this as he has done wonders for Villa.
Aston Villa does have some hard fixtures coming up though, including Vs Chelsea. When Arsenal have some games they really should be winning such as West Brom and Stoke. If Arsenal want to get in to fourth they will have to do it within the next few game unless Aston Villa mess up later on in the season. However, being a club of Arsenals stature and pinning hopes on other teams tripping up is not a good game plan. Wenger is a good manager, and hopefully he will make the signings he needs on the last day of the transfer window to get their season back on track. 

It’s not going to be an easy task getting rid of Villa though, they are in a good position, and wont let go easily, I look forward to seeing how this pans out at the end of the season.

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