Should Mikel Arteta go all out in the Europa League this season?

Should Mikel Arteta go all out in the Europa League this season? 

By Tom Masters
After a season away from European action, Arsenal are back competing on the continent in the Europa League this season.
They marked their return with a 2-1 win over FC Zurich last Thursday and were due to host PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates stadium this week, but due to the passing of Her Majesty the Queen and policing requirements around her funeral, that match has been postponed. 
With the Gunners flying high in the Premier League, should Mikel Arteta go all out in the Europa League?

Potential to win 

Arsenal would without a doubt be among the favourites to challenge for the Europa League this year along with fellow Premier League club Manchester United, Italian sides Lazio and Roma and of course any number of Champions League sides who may drop down into the Europa League knockout stages. 
The Gunners were in Europe’s secondary competition for four consecutive years from 2017/18 to 2020/21 – reaching the semi-finals twice and the final in Baku in 2019, where they lost to London rivals Chelsea. 
That shows their pedigree in the competition, with a squad far weaker than now and with significantly less momentum too. 
The Gunners have never lifted a major European trophy, losing finals both in Baku four seasons ago and a Champions League final against Barcelona in 2006. 
They say third time lucky, and this could well be an excellent opportunity for Arsenal to secure that first European crown. 

Depth 

A lot has been made of Arsenal’s depth this season and whether or not they seriously have enough to secure Champions League qualification via the top four and go on and compete both in Europe and in the domestic cups. 
The signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have significantly improved the starting XI and in turn have given Arsenal more depth while Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos have also been signed, with both making their European debuts and the latter scoring against Zurich. 
There are still worries about the depth of certain areas in the team, namely at right back and holding midfield, but this is the strongest squad Arteta has had at his disposal since taking over from Unai Emery. 

Momentum 

Arsenal have begun the season in sensational style, winning five of their opening six Premier League matches and opening up their Europa League campaign with victory. 
There is a feeling in North London not seen since the days of Arsene Wenger, and with both a young manager and a young squad, something special is building at the Emirates. 
The confidence of the likes of Gabriel Martinelli has sky-rocketed, while Jesus has brought immeasurable quality to the attack and William Saliba significantly bolstering the defence. 
If ever there is a year that Arsenal could go on and win a first ever European title it is this year and Arteta will be hoping his team have enough at their disposal to go on and make history. 
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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