August 13th, just one day left until the new Premier League season kicks off.
The schedule has long been set, with Arsenal having five matches in August: three rounds of the Premier League and two Champions League qualifiers.
Due to Arsenal's fourth-place finish in the league last season, they don't automatically qualify for the Champions League group stage this year. They have to play two qualifiers against Serie A's fourth-place team, Udinese.
The winner advances directly to the group stage, while the loser exits, bidding farewell to this season's Champions League.
"Focus on the Champions League qualifiers."
This was the most important thing Wenger said during the meeting on the day before the season began: "We must participate in the Champions League main event, and the reason should be clear to everyone. I won't make any other excuses.
