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They conquered England. Now their captain Patrick Vieira believes that it's time to start dictating the fashion of European football.
If the "gunners" hold on for another match in the Premier League, they will become the only team in 115 years to have not lost a single league match in a season. The only team that managed to do this earlier was Preston North End (in the 1888-89 season). Knowing that Arsenal's opponents are underdogs, footballers seem to think that the record is within reach. So far in the league, they have won 25 matches and finished 12 matches in a draw. An impressive performance for any football club.
However, Arsenal's results in Europe are much worse. This season, they were eliminated in the Champions League quarterfinals by another English team. While they have already won 9 Champions League trophies, and 6 of them belong to them, the English trophy case remains empty for now.
"The Champions League is very important to us," said P. Vieira. "It's what we're missing. We need success in Europe. The club has the image of a football giant, but we haven't won anything in Europe. That has to change." The club's only achievements in Europe are winning secondary tournaments.
In 1996, when manager A. Wenger joined the team, Arsenal won three FA Cups and Premier League titles. The gunners have been dominating in England for the second year now, while those who used to dominate are now just a shadow of what they used to be. However, any excellent performance in England fades in front of other European teams.
A. Wenger's contract ends at the end of next season, but Arsenal's leadership has stated that he has a job for life if he wants.
"I don't think the leaders are afraid that I will leave the club," the coach said. "I want to stay.
We all agree that A. Wenger is a great coach and specialist. However, even though his team dominates at home, Europe is still a challenge for them. If the strongest English club can't do it, then what English team will be able to?"
