In 2005, Arsenal finished in 2nd place just behind Manchester United. This was the last time Arsenal had finished in the top two. Now, 10-years later, Arsenal arw just one point behind 2nd place Manchester City with eight games left in the season. Every year, the same question gets asked: Will Arsenal qualify for the Champions League? The answer is always yes.
This year, the question might be slightly different. The new question is can Arsenal finish in 2nd place? Wenger has often been criticised for his lack of trophies and consistent 3rd or 4th place finishes. Arsenal has qualified for the Champions League for the last 17-years straight. This feat should not go unrecognised but Arsenal has seemingly hit a wall when attempting to compete for 1st and 2nd place. Within the next eight games, that wall might come crumbling down.
Wenger has often been criticised for his lack of spending in the transfer windows. He has more often than not bought young unknown players to mould rather than known stars. This past summer was different and the fans might see the rewards of a change of philosophy. During the 2014 summer transfer window, Arsenal spent £77 million pounds on established talent. This talent comprised of Alexis Sánchez (Barcelona), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), David Ospina (Nice) and youngster Calum Chambers (Southampton). This new talent has propelled the team into a position to secure 2nd place come the end of the season.
Wenger is too often criticised for his lack of achievement. Now in 2015, Wenger has the opportunity to silence the critics. The team he has slowly built since 2005 is now beginning to bear fruit. If Arsenal can clinch 2nd place this season, the intent to seriously challenge for a title will attract further world class talent and truly prove that Arsenal are a team that can challenge for more than just a Champions League spot.