Another Must-Win Game, Another Can't-Believe-It Result, Against Everton This Time

 If we win the Europa League, the season will have been salvaged.  I'm not expecting that, but go ahead, football, surprise me, pleasantly this time.

Arsenal 10 - 0 Gillingham (FA Cup), and Another Result

 The Gunners women could have had 20 if they'd pushed for it, but in the end they settled for 10-0.  I'm not sure how Gillingham made the 5th round, but I don't know the women's side of English football.  But congratulations, Arsenal Women.  

Their male counterparts were not as successful as Fulham got the close calls (I'm still not sure about that pen) and only a last minute rebound putback from Eddie Nketiah rescued a point against relegation bound Fulham.  The Cottagers were dreadful all game and it was disappointing that we couldn't put in a few (non-disallowed) goals.  Arteta rotated heavily but unaccountably played Lacazette and Saka in a game he clearly regarded as a rest opportunity, the former pulling up with what looked like a season-ending hamstring pull.  You're welcome, Unai!

The "Arteta out!" chorus on Arseblog is warming up.  I want him to be backed for another full year at least.  The critics seem to think he has a Man City level squad and he's holding them back.  He's obviously not a top manager now, but I think he's growing into the job.  He can become a really good manager here, or we can watch him do it somewhere else while we overpay some safe choice who's just been fired by another club, until he's fired.  Maybe Joe Montemurro will be available.

Into the Semis: Slavia Praha 0 - 4 Arsenal (1 - 5 agg), and Fading League Hopes

 After an infuriating 1-1 scoreline in the first game at the Emirates in a game we dominated, the Gunners came good in the second leg, maintaining a clean sheet while blitzing the hosts in the first half to kill the tie.  Everyone did their job, especially the front four.  Now it's two dates with Unai Emery's Villareal, who dispatched Zagreb 3-1 on aggregate.  If we can get by them, it'll probably be Man U in the final (though Roma is strong).  Hey, why not?  

Well, losing to Liverpool 3-0 may be why not.  And going down 3-0 to West Ham.  These are two of the teams we had to overtake for a European spot, and one point out of six was a crusher.  Now we pretty much have to win out for a legitimate shot at a Europa League berth, though perhaps 16 points out of the 21 on offer could be enough if we get a lot of help.

I remain hopeful for the future.  If we can find a way to ditch Willian at an airport somewhere, it would be good.  There are possibilities all around.  Saliba needs to be motivated, and if he is as good as we thought he was, we don't need Luiz.  I'm surprised at how well Chambers is doing at right back.  The loss of Tierney is a blow, but he will be back next year.  ESR, if he stays healthy, is our #10.  Forget Odegard; we can't afford him.  Saka can play there too.  I wouldn't like to lose Laca, but maybe we should sell.  Willock and AMN could bring in some cash too.  Nketiah could also be on the block; the young guns we're making room for are Balogun and Martinelli.