All the midweek excitement in the Premiership centred on Tottenham’s win over Manchester City which guaranteed the North London club their first crack at the Champions League. However, they still have something more to play for.
Spurs win took them to within two points of Arsenal who lie in third place. If Harry Redknapp’s side could overtake the Gunners it would be worth more than just bragging rights in North London.
Though finishing fourth in the table offers a shot at the main European competition, the fourth English participant has to go through tough qualifiers to reach the lucrative group stage.
Arsenal had to go via that route in this campaign and Arsene Wenger would desperately like to avoid that again, as the games take place almost before the league season has begun and new men are being bedded in.
- You can bet on this outcome: Can Arsenal Finish Third?
The new rules adopted for the Champions League qualifiers mean that the last English side could face opponents from top leagues like Italy, Spain or Germany.
The Gunners still hold the advantage over their bitter rivals, although they have to assume that Spurs will take maximum points from their trip to Burnley on the final day of the season.
Unless Burnley suffer a complete collapse, a point in their home game against Fulham will be enough for Arsenal as they are currently ten goals to the good on goal difference.
With the Europa League Final coming up, Roy Hodgson is very unlikely to send out a full strength Fulham team but that can have its dangers for Arsenal. There will be players trying to clinch a place on the bench for the final against Athletico Madrid- and they will be more motivated than is normal for a mid-table side.
- You can bet on this outcome: Can Spurs Finish Third?
Other members of the side will relish the chance to start at the Emirates and players like striker Erik Nevland could see this as his last game in the Premiership- and want to go out in style.
The pressure is all on Arsenal to make sure they don’t slip up at the death. Their players will be kicking themselves for allowing this situation to develop when third place seemed a certainty just a few weeks ago.
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