It has been a season of two Arsenal’s in the 2013/14 campaign and the recent form of the squad suggests it could a permanent worry for the Gunners.

Everton are still favourites to make it into the top four this season, meaning Arsenal would miss out on the Champions League for the first time since 1997.

Arsene Wenger has come under massive pressure, and even a penalty shoot-out victory over Wigan on Saturday the fans are still split over whether the Frenchman should stay.

Here is why we believe Arsenal may be set for a tough battle to get back into the top European competition if they miss out this season.

Lack of strength in depth

Injuries. A classic cry from supporters and pundits when things get tough. Every team gets them.

Some can deal with them, just look at Man City who have been without the likes of David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero for large parts of the campaign.

Arsenal have a real lack of depth to their squad which has been evident in recent weeks and is one issue that has to be addressed. Soon.

Teams below them will definitely improve

Having been outclassed by Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool this season – Arsenal have spent the majority of their time since Christmas looking over their shoulders.

Everton will be desperate to make their current form stick, by adding key players to their permanent squad.

Also, Manchester United and Tottenham will only get better when new signing come in and gel (and in the case of Spurs, they get the knowledge of a top boss this summer.)

Wenger’s stubborn transfer approach

When Chelsea desperately needed to improve, they spent some cash and duly improved.

Liverpool and Manchester City have done exactly the same, leaving Arsenal drifting behind with Everton, Tottenham and United all closing the gap on them.

Wenger surely can’t claim that Mesut Ozil’s signing was anything but a one off – maybe with three or four more of those big money deals in the bag, Arsenal can become the force they once were.