Would victory over Tottenham automatically make this season a success for Arsenal?

Would victory over Tottenham automatically make this season a success for Arsenal?

By Jonny Bray
Thursday night's North London derby will be one of the most crucial games of Arsenal's season. 
Not only is it the latest instalment of a historic rivalry, but the Gunners will also qualify for the Champions League if they win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 
With so much riding on one game, it is hard not to feel like victory over Spurs automatically makes this season a success for Arsenal. 
But is that really the case? 

A win would make this season a success

Champions League football is crucial for the Gunners and for Mikel Arteta. 
With three games remaining, the North London side are four points ahead of Tottenham in fifth and will be guaranteed a spot in Europe's premium competition with a win on Thursday. 
Qualifying for the Champions League would surpass the expectations many people placed on Arteta's side at the start of the season. 
Following the opening day defeat against Brentford, many fans were preparing for the worst. 
However, the Spaniard rallied his side and has given Gunners fans one of their best seasons in the last decade. 
Qualifying for the Champions League would be the perfect end to such a season and would put the club on the right track to go one further and challenge for the title next year. 
Qualification would not just be a step in the right direction, but it would arguably be the best Arsenal could have hoped for with the squad they have. 
It is hard not to consider that a success.
Aside from the race for the top four, victory against Spurs would also mean that Arsenal have won both North London derbies this season.
This would be the first time that has happened since the 2013/14 season, which saw Arsenal win 1-0 at White Hart Lane after beating them by the same scoreline at the Emirates earlier that campaign. 

What would defeat mean?

Defeat would give Antonio Conte's side a huge boost heading into their final two games. 
It would reduce the deficit in the league table to one point and swing the momentum back in favour of Spurs. 
It could result in the Gunners missing out on Champions League football, which would be a disaster for the club's hopes of progressing to the next level. 
This season has been mainly about taking small steps so that in the long term, Arsenal can be seen as one of the top sides in England again, alongside Manchester City and Liverpool.
A defeat against Spurs would not ruin Arsenal's chances of doing that, but it would be a severe blow. 
Defeat would also mean embarrassment against their oldest rivals. 

Conclusion

It has been an eventful season in North London, and regardless of where the Gunners finish, you have to admit that there seems to be a renewed buzz around the club.
But a win against Spurs and subsequent qualification for the Champions League would definitely make this season a success for Arsenal.
Not only would qualification surpass the expectations put on his squad at the start of the campaign, but it would also show that the club is heading in the right direction.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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