Pre match standings : Arsenal 4th 34 points WBA 8th 23 points It goes without saying that The Emirates is one of THE best football arenas in the country and possibly Europe. Strangely, when travelling by coach anyway, and considering the size, the ground is more or less obscured from sight by houses and shops. It''s not until you reach a small roundabout in front of the ground itself that it can be seen in its full glory. And an impressive sight it is too. For a start the ground isn''t actually on ground level. The stadium is accessed via sets of steps and/ or concrete bridges which span railway tracks. On ground level are the ticket office and the very ample and well stocked club shop containing the usual replica kits, badges etc. The security around the Emirates is tight and prior to taking the steps or bridges to the stadium a bag search is instigated by Arsenals very friendly stewards. The concourse around the stadium is huge and statues of Arsenal legends Thierry Henry, Tony Adams, Denis Bergkamp and former manager Herbert Chapman are to be found. Naturally these provide great photo opportunities. Also on this concourse are roomy toilet blocks, programme booths and the Arsenal Museum. Again the walls are adorned with pictures of legendary Gunners. The stadium is oval in shape and takes a good 5 to 10 minutes to walk round. It''s certainly impressive and, as with several other successful and successfully marketed clubs at the top end of the Premiership, it certainly draws in many non footballing tourists. This has it''s negatives as well as positives. Obviously Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, the Manchester clubs have been successful over the years, both at home and in Europe and the endless post season world wide tours generate a lot more supporters and money. This is great for the big clubs. Unfortunately, at £60+ for a ticket, in my opinion, this success takes these clubs ever further away from ordinary fans. Not many tourists to be seen at Crewe or Doncaster. Prior to entering the stadium itself another bag and body search is made. On entering the usual drinks and food outlets can be found. The quality is much the sane as any other club but obviously this is London and therefore be prepared to pay £2.30 for a cup of tea or £7 for a pie. Or take your own. Up the steps and the first sight and size of the ground breathtaking. Although from the outside the stadium is oval in shape, inside the ends have been squared off. End of season 16/17- Arsenal finished 5th on 75 points and qualified for the Europa League. It''s the first time for 20 years that Arsenal have failed finish in the top 4 and qualify for the Champions League. Arsenal did, however, win the FA Cup beating Champions Chelsea 2-1.