Mikel Arteta’s men are currently 4th on the Premier League table, one point clear of United in 5th and three points off West Ham in 6th
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal after the first three games of the 2021/2022 season were rock bottom of the league, languishing in the 20th position on the league table, with their fans demanding Mikel Arteta’s sack.
But after The Gunners’ 3-2 win over Watford in week 28, their fourth successive win in the league, they now have a realistic chance of finishing ahead of Manchester United, West Ham, and local rival, Spurs who are their main challengers.
Mikel Arteta’s men after the win are now in 4th position and one point clear of Manchester United in 5th, having played three games fewer.
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But having missed out on the last five editions of UEFA Champions League (UCL) and without any European engagement this season, they could still fall short of qualifying for the highest European club competition next season even if they finish in the top four.
This is because if Man United win the Champions League or West Ham win the Europa League but fail to make the top four, then only teams that finish in the top three positions in the Premier League would qualify for the UCL.
In the past, a fourth position qualifies a club for a playoff to claim a spot in UCL, but due to a change in UEFA regulations enforced in 2013, which states that no more than five teams from the same league can compete in Europe’s elite competition, Arsenal may just fall short.
Though United and West Ham are not favourites to win the competitions, Arsenal fans all over the world will be hoping they are both knocked out early to avoid the above scenarios.
