For the first time in 25 years, Arsenal fails to qualify for Europe

The 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday did not improve their chances.

Arsenal needed to win and for both Tottenham and Everton to drop points to seal seventh place and a spot in the inaugural Europa Conference League next season.

However, Tottenham’s late turnaround in its 4-2 win at Leicester meant Spurs finished above arch rivals Arsenal. ‘

Arsenal had to settle for an eighth-place finish for the second season in a row.

Commenting on the disappointing development, Areta said, “It is frustrating because last season, with 61 points, we (would have finished) fifth, now we are eighth and that is the step that we have to identify. The level has gone so high so the only way to do it is to be much better next season and much more consistent and this is the challenge ahead of us.”

Martin Odegaard, who returns to Real Madrid after the game, showed why Arsenal are so keen to keep hold of the Norway international as he ran the show. There we also strong performances from Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in the heart of the midfield.