A season-salvaging game

Arsenal, which has never been crowned European champion, has become used to battling for the English league title — narrowly losing out to Manchester City in the past two seasons.

This year, it has been its misfortune to be competing against a Liverpool team that has been relentless, taking an early lead in the league that it has not relinquished, in a spectacular first season for Arne Slot at Anfield.

Arsenal has had chances to put the pressure on the runaway leader, but 12 draws in the Premier League, and just two wins in its past seven games, have cost it dearly.

Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to mid-table Brentford meant the Gunners finished the weekend 13 points behind Liverpool, which could wrap up a record-equaling 20th English league title as early as this weekend.

Arteta denied that his players had been distracted by their upcoming match in Spain, but his team selection showed where his priorities lie in the final weeks of the season.

The Spaniard made five changes to the side that beat Madrid, with winger Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard left out of the starting lineup.

Afterward, he turned his attention to Real Madrid.

"We still have six games to play in the Premier League, which are going to be really important, for sure," he said. "But, for now, it's all about Wednesday."

Despite its stumbles, Arsenal is almost certain to secure one of the five qualification places for next season's Champions League.

But, slipping below second would dent the Gunners' pride and challenge the perception that they are making steady progress toward winning a first Premier League title since 2004.

The Gunners could make club history in Europe in the next few weeks, but if they fall short, the season could end with a whimper.

AFP