What next for Arsenal?

Even before Mandzukic’s freak shot in the second half sealed Bayern’s victory – and in all likelihood a spot in the last eight – the inevitability of the result was evident from the atmosphere across the Emirates. The erratic and inconsistent gameplay displayed by the home side betrayed a lack of confidence as opposed to their ruthless opponents who were at full throttle right from kick off. Coming on the back of a humiliating defeat at home to championship side Blackburn, this was to be a chance to recover, to set the season back on track for Wenger and his men, and what better way to do so than to take down Bayern Munich.

But if the fans were expecting a comeback from the men in red and white, they never got one. The ‘authentic’ Arsenal did not quite show up. Once a side famous for their quick passing moves, they were struggling to string passes together. A team renowned for its attacking prowess looked toothless. A victory never seemed probable. But there’s more at stake for Arsenal than just a Champions League quarterfinal berth. It’s a Crisis – with a capital C – for the Gunners.

Arsenal seemingly find themselves locked in the vicious cycle of needing confidence for a trophy and trophies for confidence. Losses to League two side Bradford and second division side Blackburn are testimony to the lack of confidence in the side. If ever Arsene Wenger needed to take desperate measures, it is now. Eight years without a trophy may be bad but it threatens to get much worse. A top four spot, once taken for granted at the Emirates, is under threat. The neighbours from across North London pose the challenge. Fourth place is the prize. And with it comes the cash and charm of competing with the best in Europe.

Promises of high profile signings in the summer hold little meaning if Champions League qualification is not secured. Waiting till the summer to rebuild the falling fortress may be too late. Once out of the top four, it is a long way back. Unless Arsenal can recover in time to finish in the top four, the team may head the Liverpool way or even worse, without the riches of Liverpool to aid the recovery. Not that the money matters.

No amount of money could get the better players to sign for a club competing in the Europa League. World class signings require a club of the same class and Europa League is not the place such a team is expected to be in. So, how the team fares in the rest of this season may affect how the next few seasons take shape for Arsenal. The money and status that comes with competing in the Champions League is the key to bringing that elusive trophy to the Emirates.

Come March 3, Arsenal will face a crucial test against Spurs and there is a lot more than just Derby pride at stake. What happens when the two sides from North London meet at White Hart lane that day, may well decide what happens at the Emirates for years to come.