subsub wrote:I think you're being just a teensy bit precious, if I'm honest.
Clearly, most years, Arsenal have fully deserved their CL spot (even if they've never really done anything once they they're, 2006 excepted), but you must admit that there have been years where they're been rather fortunate to qualify. Yes, you could argue that the league table doesn't lie, but there have been seasons where other teams have shown an unexpected and rapid decline with a few games to go, which has let Arsenal creep up into the top 4.
2007-2008
Arsenal - 3rd: played 38: won 24: draw 11: lost 3: GD + 43: points 83
Aston Villa 6th: played 38: won 16: draw 12: lost 10: GD +20: points 60
Arsenal finished 23 points ahead of Villa and only 4 points behind Utd, who won the title that season.
Have I picked out the wrong season ? Let me know which season's 4th/3rd spot was handed to Arsenal and I'll go check, bet i find that Arsenal have scored more, conceded fewer goals, and obviously have more point than the teams that have handed them 4th place.
Cos it looks to me like Arsenal took 3rd spot in 2007/2008, Villa handed us nothing.
Not at all precious, Subs, just wanting you to back up what you say.