The implications of Arsenal edging back into fifth place

Arsenal travelled to the St. Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday night to strengthen their chances of finishing in the top four this season. They achieved that aim with goals from Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud.

The Gunners are now up to fifth place which means Manchester United have slid down to sixth again. It was a tedious game for both teams. Southampton registered 14 shots to Arsenal’s 11, but could not convert any of their chances. It took Sanchez until the 60^th minute to find the back of the net.

It has somewhat felt that Arsenal’s latter part of the season has been spent battling Manchester United to retain fifth place. But, there is still hope for both clubs to make it into the top four.

Only five points separate the third and sixth places, with all teams – except Liverpool – on equal games played. Both Arsenal and United making the top four would rely on the results from Manchester City and Liverpool, but it is still possible.

After Arsenal’s tumultuous season, any European football would be a solid achievement. The Champions League would be a gift. It has been a difficult year for the players, fans and manager Arsene Wenger.

However, no matter where Arsenal finish in the league, there are still problems that need sorting in the summer. There is near-inevitability that Sanchez will be leaving, which will help dictate the aims of Arsenal’s summer transfers. They’ll have to work hard to compete for big players to replace Sanchez and to strengthen overall. Their top six counterparts will also be on the hunt to improve the depth and threat of their squads.

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There is also the overwhelming issue of Wenger. Will he stay or go? Either answer poses further questions. If he stays, he will have to spend time reuniting the fan-base and the players who remain.

There has clearly been a breakdown within the dressing room, which is evident from the performances on the pitch. The division amongst fans needs no explanation.

He may also have to adjust his tactics and his approach to games. His style of play is out-date., The squad’s progression has stagnated as other teams evolve around them. It is not enough to complain about how the opposition play: adjustments have to be made in order to compete.

Wenger leaving also has it’s own implications. Who will replace him? The manager hasn’t made his intentions clear yet, and so there is no telling who his successor may be. A new manager needs time to assess the team he has and determine fresh transfer targets. The transition period can be tough. The more time given to a new manager before the next season, the better.

Next: Everton's defeat doesn't overshadow their season

Finishing in fifth position is manageable for this underwhelming Arsenal side. Their priority must be to see out this season smoothly in order to prepare for the big transitions coming in the summer. At this point, Champions League football is achievable but not their biggest concern.