The last couple of years has saw Arsenal’s status in the English plummet.

The Gunners have gone from perennial title challengers to also-rans. Arsenal were defeated 2-1 at Manchester United yesterday.

Arsenal still qualify for the Champions League on an annual basis, but should the Gunners be aiming higher?

Competition

Arsenal are no longer in the same league as the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. The Gunners are now in that second group of teams along with Spurs, Everton and Newcastle competing for the Champions League spots.

Unfortunately for Arsene Wenger’s side it could be very tough just to get into the top four. The other teams competing for that fourth spot in the Premier League are full of quality players. It won’t be easy for Arsenal to claim a place in the top four this season.

Mediocre

Arsenal have signed some very mediocre players in the last few years. The likes of Andre Santos, Marouane Chamakh and even new signing Olivier Giroud are not players that could get in most top four Premier League sides.

Former-rivals Chelsea and Manchester United splashed out big this summer, but Arsenal spent very little in comparison and that is why Wenger’s side are now in that second group of teams in the top flight.

The quality of the players at Arsenal is simply not the same as the big three and it showed when United really outplayed the Gunners for most of yesterday’s game. Arsenal never really got going at Old Trafford and their performance proved that they are not in the same class as the Red Devils.

Unhappy

Arsenal fans are starting to get restless after seven years without a trophy. Most Gunners fans are unhappy that their team are now aiming just for the top four places every season. Unfortunately for the Gunners fans I can’t see anything changing in the near future.

Should Arsenal be happy with just qualifying for the Champions League?