IT WAS supposed to be an opportunity to flex their muscles and demonstrate to their rivals — and themselves — that Arsenal can still mix it with the big boys. 

But, after the dismal 1-1 draw at home to Brighton last weekend, the Europa League now represents their only realistic hope of returning to the top table of European football next season.

The boos that echoed round Ashburton Grove at the final whistle last Sunday, albeit confined to pockets rather than large swathes, were born out of frustration that a far rosier conclusion to the league campaign was well within their grasp.