MILAN -- The uncertainty around Arsenal grows. Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Internazionale is not a severe blow to their UEFA Champions League hopes, but it does make a top-eight finish and the automatic qualification that comes with it more doubtful.
It continues a difficult week where uncertainty arose off the field in unexpected fashion with the abrupt departure of sporting director Edu Gaspar and questions grow over their durability in the Premier League title race after falling seven points behind leaders Liverpool. All three situations can be rescued and resolved, but the Gunners have been a picture of stability and sustained progress for more than two years.