Arsenal were humiliated by a well-drilled, much better organised, and ultimately superior AS Monaco side at the Emirates on Wednesday night, with the French Ligue 1 outfit winning 3-1 in the first leg of the Champions League second round. The result now means Arsenal have to score three goals at a ground defensively resolute this season for the Gunners to stand a chance of reaching the quarter-final. It’s very unlikely they will make it past the second round once again as a result.
For manager Arsene Wenger, his worst nightmare was realised. It’s been five years since they last made it past the second round of the Champions League, and to lose at home in what was supposed to be a favourable tie could well be what tips the long-serving manager over the edge. Supporters have been patient during the trophy drought, and continuous premature exits in Europe, but there was a sense of confidence that they could finally make a run in the competition.
Arsenal being knocked out by Monaco in the second round would be one the biggest Champions League shocks in recent years, and one that the fans would not let Wenger forget in a hurry. His tenure was once judged on his success, but now about his consistency achieving lesser goals. The Gunners look out of Europe for another season, and Wenger may well consider his time with the club in the summer as a result.
But his own admission, Arsenal were expected to be challenging on all four fronts. Their title hopes were ruled out very early into the season, Southampton knocked them out of the Capital One Cup at the Emirates, so they have just the FA Cup that’s their best chance of winning a trophy. Is it really enough to appease the supporters? The club will be hurting after the Monaco defeat, and it’s after such losses that things are put into perspective.
Arsenal are on course to finish top-four of the Premier League, but the Londoners have taken a step back from last season with the team and with results. Wenger’s contract runs until 2017, but supporters will be demanding drastic action be taken after a catastrophic result. There’s little proof the club are going forward despite having financial restraints loosened in the last couple of years, so is that down to Wenger? Has he exhausted his time at the Emirates? Will the potential Champions League exit spell the end of his tenure with Arsenal?
