Boos rang out at the final whistle as Arsenal drew 0-0 with Red Star Belgrade at the Emirates.
Despite the Gunners’ failure to find the back of the net after having 11 shots (three on target) during the 90 minutes, they progress to the final 32 of the Europa League with two matches to spare. This means that despite having a trip to FC Cologne and home clash against BATE Borisov, Arsene Wenger’s side can now relax until the next round.
So, why the boos at full-time?
The match was far from inspiring, I’ll give people that, but do Gooners seriously boo now just because their side hasn’t been playing Wenger-ball for an entire match?
Perhaps it has something to do with the atmosphere surrounding the club at the moment.
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have both run into the final year of their contracts and look set to either leave in January or move on a free at the end of the season.
Wenger’s job, once again, has been called into question despite the Frenchman signing a two-year contract extension in May, and while Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League, there’s still a feeling of unease among fans.
The loss away to Watford was a harsh reminder of how vulnerable this side still are and how easily it can all come apart if they’re not on their game, which appears to be a lot of the time these days.
What’s more, Tottenham had comfortably beaten Real Madrid 3-1 the previous evening during their second ever run in the Champions League and, frustratingly, their odds on winning the whole tournament aren’t nearly low enough.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are one of the favourites to win the Europa League this term. Although I’d rather gamble my money somewhere like Slots Play than potentially waste it on the team we saw against Red Star on Thursday night.
Still, despite the drab performance, the job’s done and Arsenal fans really have no right to be booing. First of all, only about five people showed up to the Emirates to support the team in the first place and secondly, the Gunners didn’t lose and progressed to the next round with two game to spare. What’s there to complain about?
An eye roll at another mediocre showing is one thing – I know I did it – but actively jeering the team despite keeping a clean sheet is quite another.
Let’s get some perspective, move on and hope we get a good draw in the next round.