COMMENT: Arsenal miss the top four and Arsene Wenger stays? For many Gooners, it'd be hell on earth. But should it...?
Could Arsenal, with Wenger still in charge, actually do a Chelsea next season? Without the commitment of the Champions League. Without all the attrition that comes with it. Could missing the top four be the catalyst for Wenger to guide a new-look team back to the summit?
Okay, okay, even if they finish mid-table, we know winning the FA Cup will see Arsenal in the Europa League next season. But no matter the claims on the continent, the second tier comp just doesn't have the same appeal. And you fancy relegating it to a bridging competition for the club's best young players would be forgiven by fans if Wenger's team look title contenders.
Wenger, so buoyant in the aftermath of Sunday's Wembley triumph over Manchester City, was sure to have afforded himself a wry smile when learning of Antonio Conte's complaints in the morning press.
He has some nerve, does Chelsea's manager. The one week he finds his calendar crowded, he dumps Diego Costa and Eden Hazard to the bench for an FA Cup semifinal. And against Tottenham. Tottenham! Yeah, he pulled it off. But this is what has confronted both Wenger and Mauricio Pochettino, the Spurs manager, for the entire season. And then the Italian had the temerity to hit out at English football's schedule!
But this is the luxury that could be waiting for Wenger if Arsenal miss Champions League qualification. The ease with which Conte has been allowed to navigate this campaign came into bright focus after Chelsea's semifinal win. He's been able to get away with just Diego Costa as his one, senior centre-forward. Eden Hazard has managed to stay fit and focused for the majority of the campaign. And the recalled Nathan Ake hasn't been needed until this week's little panic.
The one week that emulates what awaits Conte next season and he goes into overdrive. And it really begs the question: with this current squad, where would Chelsea have finished if playing to Arsenal's schedule.
And for Wenger, what about the opposite?
Another day out at Wembley now penciled in. Knocking off City. Leaving Pep Guardiola potless for his first season in England. There's currently a feelgood factor around the Gunners. So much so, that don't rule out Arsenal announcing Wenger's new contract this week.
Are they ever going to get a better chance to do it? Certainly, Wenger looked in the mood last night. He was even talking up the prospect of Alexis Sanchez re-signing. And if he doesn't, "we'll keep him to his contract".
That's some statement. But Wenger was floating. And why not? The "old man", as he referred to himself, had just out-thought the golden boy. Three at the back. And for only the second time in his career. Who said Wenger couldn't change?
The backlash will come. The board. Even Wenger. Is well aware of that. But if the Frenchman is to stay, Arsenal are not going to find a better window of opportunity than the coming few days to break it to the support.
For all intents, the deal is already done. The board knows. The players know. Wenger's staff are now being informed. It's just the fans that are out of the loop.
This week, the bleedin' obvious could be confirmed. And at the end of Wenger's worst season in charge. But the irony is, it'll be the best chance of Arsenal winning the league again under the current manager.