Arsenal given light relief over top-four heartache as Man Utd ridiculed – ‘That’s failure’

Arsenal’s season has not been a failure, especially compared to Manchester United, according to Gunners fan and former Tottenham striker Darren Bent. Arsenal are set to miss out on Champions League qualification following their 2-0 loss to Newcastle on Monday.

Mikel Arteta’s side looked clueless for the majority of the match at St James’ Park as the Magpies picked up a well-deserved win. Arsenal now must beat Everton on the final day and hope relegated Norwich overcome north London rivals Spurs.

Bent could not hide his disappointment at the performance from the Gunners. However, he says it is unfair to say the season on a whole has been a failure following back-to-back eighth-placed finishes.

Bent said on talkSPORT: “It was disappointing and, unfortunately for Arsenal, when they needed to show composure and discipline the most, they didn’t. The four performances before that were good, but then the one against Spurs completely took the wind out of their sails.

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“I know he’s spent a lot of money. It’s the youngest squad in the Premier League. It’s disappointing not to be playing in the best club competition in the world, but it’s not a failure.”

Bent says what he sees as Arsenal’s success is proven by the failings of United this season. Despite major additions last summer, the Red Devils are set to finish either sixth or seventh this term.

Bent added: “Look at Manchester United… They finished second last season and now it looks like they are going to finish sixth or seventh, after they’ve added Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo. That’s failure!”

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