Europa route a lot tougher for Wenger...

IT IS something of a misconception that the Europa League remains a short cut to Champions League competition. Last year was an exception.

By the time of the last 16, in February, Jose Mourinho would have surveyed the draw and fancied his chances. Spain’s only representatives were mid-table Celta Vigo, the two Bundesliga teams were mediocre and had drawn each other, as had Lyon and Roma.

Going into the last 16 the country with most representatives was Belgium, with three. It was wide open for Manchester United. This year isn’t the same. The last 32 boasts the best team in Italy (Napoli), the second best in Spain (Atletico Madrid) and Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund who sit fourth and sixth in the Bundesliga, where a single point separates second to seventh.

In addition, there are the top three teams in Russia, the third placed team in Italy (Lazio) and Villarreal from Spain who are a point behind Real Madrid. If Arsenal fans are banking on following Mourinho’s route, they may be disappointed.

At which point, it will be uncomfortable for Arsene Wenger (right) again. Arsenal have come to define themselves by participation in the Champions League and, two years out, the fans will feel aggrieved.

There can be no FA Cup final appearance to apply sticking plaster to the wound come the end of the season, either — Nottingham Forest saw to that. Yet Arsenal will be at Wembley on February 25, in the Carabao Cup final. The club last won it in 1993 against Sheffield Wednesday, it is the only domestic competition Wenger is without and will be Arsenal’s fourth Wembley final appearance in five years.

Should that not count for something? Whatever his critics might think, turning Arsenal into an exceptional cup team remains an achievement.

These are big days out, the Wembley final visits. Tottenham would certainly appreciate one, no matter that the place is their current home.

Mauricio Pochettino has made great advances, but still no trophies since 2008. Would Tottenham like one of Wenger’s FA Cups or a crack at Manchester City next month? Absolutely. The planes may already be booked for an end of season fly-past, but if Pochettino had Wenger’s cup record he would be lauded to the skies.