Premier League: Four Reasons Why Arsenal Will Not Finish in the Top Six This Season

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may believe it is unrealistic that his his side can challenge for the title but is a top-six finish beyond his side this year?

Sunday's 2-1 loss to north London rivals Tottenham was Arsenal's fourth in the Premier League this season and saw them slump to 15th in the table.

The Gunners currently sit two points above the relegation zone and 12 behind league leaders Manchester United.

The last time Arsenal finished outside the top-six was back in 1994-95 but can the club hope for anything better seventeen years later?

Here are four reasons why Arsenal will not finish in the top six this season:

Cesc Fabregas

Nowhere on the pitch are Arsenal’s shortcomings more apparent than in defence. With four of Wenger’s first-choice centre-backs nursing injuries, recent weeks have seen Alex Song deployed as an emergency partner alongside per Mertesacker. But the biggest concern for Gunners fans must be the inexperience of Carl Jenkinson – a League One player last season – who is expected to perform week-in, week-out.

Robin van Persie

Jack Wilshire