Arsenal delivered huge final day boost ahead of showdown with Tottenham for a Champions League spot
On the final day of the season, Arsenal must overtake archrivals Tottenham and secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
However, they received a big boost in midweek when Everton regained their top-flight status.
Everything appeared to be going wrong for the Toffees once more. Frank Lampard’s side were trailing 2-0 at the break, due to goals from Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Jordan Ayew.
After their defeat to Brentford on Saturday, there was concern that another chance at survival might be lost.
But they fought back, and goals in the second half from Michael Keane, Richarlison, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured Everton’s position in the 2022-23 Premier League season.
When they head to north London on Sunday afternoon, they will have nothing to play for but pride, which may be a major advantage for the Gunners.
After Arsenal’s lacklustre performance against Newcastle on Monday night, there was plenty of disappointment. The Gunners simply did not appear to be fighting and played as if they were already on the beach rather than competing for a Champions League spot.
“Newcastle were 100 times better than us in every department from the beginning to the end and it’s hard to accept to accept,” Arteta told his post-match press conference.
“But you have to accept it and that’s the reality of what happened today on that pitch.
“We knew [what was at stake], but we didn’t cope with it. We didn’t compete, we never got into the game, we put ourselves in trouble time after time, we lost every duel. Every aspect of the game we were second best and Newcastle totally deserved to win the match, probably by a bigger margin as well.”
Arsenal will need a big favour from Norwich City and Dean Smith in their final game of the season.
The Canaries’ relegation has been certain for some time, and the encounter appears to be a gift for Tottenham. Even if they manage to restrict Conte’s side to a draw, Arsenal would need to win by 15 goals, which is quite implausible.
They can, however, go into the game knowing that they are likely to face a less motivated opponent. Arteta would have been concerned if Everton were fighting for their lives.
ALSO READ:
- Manchester United have one thing Real Madrid can’t offer Harry Kane
- Latest Chelsea transfer news: Mauricio Pochettino first Chelsea signing confirmed as Real Madrid contact Kai Havertz
- Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool: Medical, shirt number, wages and everything we know
- Tottenham agree contract with Ange Postecoglou to make him their new manager
- Chelsea decide ‘top two transfer targets’ after scrapping Manuel Ugarte deal
- Man Utd ‘make £50m Mason Mount bid as they push for England double-transfer with Harry Kane’
Arsenal delivered huge final day boost ahead of showdown with Tottenham for a Champions League spot
