How has Arsenal v Manchester United changed the race for fourth?


Bruno Fernandes looks dejected as Emile Smith-Rowe and Mohamed Elneny celebrate


How has Arsenal v Manchester United changed the race for fourth?

By Alec McQuarrie

It’s been a dream week for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.


The Gunners bounced back from three straight defeats – only once in Arteta’s reign had Arsenal previously lost three league games on the bounce – with vital wins over top four rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.


Both will almost certainly prove decisive come the end of the season, but what does the 3-1 victory actually mean for the race for fourth?



United out of the race?


Firstly, Arsenal may have just struck a knockout blow to United’s chances of Champions League football next season.


Rangnick’s men have now won only once in their last five games and sit six points off fourth, having played a game more than both Arsenal and Spurs.


And following a diabolical performance in midweek against Liverpool and a lacklustre showing at the Emirates today, it would be no surprise if they lost their next match to third-place Chelsea.


On the other hand, if they overcome the Blues at Old Trafford, it could drag Thomas Tuchel’s team into the hotly-contested battle for the top four – they are only two points ahead of Arsenal, albeit with a couple of games in hand.


In any case, United will be nervously looking over their shoulder, with both West Ham and Wolves able to overtake the Red Devils if they win their games in hand.



Spurs still a threat


So that just leaves Tottenham in the way of the Gunners’ first Champions League qualification since 2016.


After Spurs' 0-0 away draw against Brentford, Arsenal hold a slender two-point advantage going into the last five games of the season.


And looking at the respective clubs’ fixtures before the potentially pivotal North London Derby on Thursday May 12, it would be very disappointing if the Gunners were not ahead of Spurs.


While a trip away to West Ham may seem daunting at first, it is worth bearing in mind the Hammers have a Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt either side of Arsenal's trip to the London Stadium.


Arsenal then host Leeds, who could well be unpacking their towels and deckchairs if they beat Crystal Palace on Monday.


Antonio Conte’s men, however, entertain tenth-placed Leicester City before the daunting task of playing Liverpool at Anfield, with the Reds unbeaten in 13 games and hell-bent on achieving an unprecedented quadruple.



Final fixtures


Spurs do have the easier of the final two games, though, with relegation strugglers Burnley and Norwich to round off the season.


Arsenal finish the campaign at home to Everton, who may or may not still be desperate for a result themselves.


Before that, a deceptively difficult trip to Newcastle beckons – only Liverpool have taken more points than the Magpies since the turn of the year.


Five cup finals remain, then, with the biggest of them all coming at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next month.


And Mikel Arteta will be hoping the performance and result against United will show his team they are more than capable of winning all five.


Photo credit: Getty Images

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