Fifth places is as much as Arsenal can hope for if Arsene Wenger extends his stay as manager, according to Tony Cascarino.
The Gunners have consistently qualified for the Champions League during Wenger’s tenure but face an uphill battle to do so this season after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Arsenal occupy sixth place and will be four points adrift of the top four even if they are victorious in their game in hand, with fighting among fans highlighting the growing hostility at Emirates Stadium.
It remains unclear whether Wenger will sign a new contract at the north London club and Cascarino fears for Arsenal’s ambition if the Frenchman opt to stays put.
“A draw at home to their title rivals feels as good as it gets for Arsenal,” Cascarino told the Times.
“That sums up their problems because it’s not enough. Arsene Wenger seems unable to be particularly clinical tactically.
“City have struggled this season against the likes of Leicester and Everton, who unsettled them, but Arsenal tried to outplay them and they are never going to beat City with those tactics.
“If Wenger does stay, maybe a point for fifth place is as much as they can hope for,” he added.
Meanwhile, Wenger is hopeful coming from behind against Pep Guardiola’s side will help to restore confidence among his players ahead of the run-in.
The Gunners host West Ham United on Wednesday night and can ill-afford to lose any further ground on their rivals.
The Hammers have lost fourth consecutive to-flight games and Slaven Bilic is braced for more speculation over his future.
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