Graeme Souness believes that Arsenal's approach entering the final months of the season should not change despite receiving a boost in their Champions League push.
The Gunners are 10 points adrift of the top-four ahead of the clash against Newcastle United, seemingly out of the hunt, but the news that Manchester City have been handed a two-year suspension from UEFA competitions has provided a significant boost.
If that punishment is upheld for the 2020/21 season, the club who finishes fifth-place in the Premier League will advance into the Champions League next term.
Victory against Newcastle would put Mikel Arteta's side five points behind fifth-placed Sheffield United in the hunt for European football, with the hunt for a spot in Europe's elite competition being reignited.
However, former Newcastle boss Souness believes that the news shouldn't change anything for Arsenal as they should still be aiming to achieve their best possible finish regardless of the outcome of City's CAS appeal.
The Gunners remain unbeaten under Arteta since the turn of the year and have an opportunity to build some consistency heading into the final months of the campaign.
"It's not any different for other teams. If you are there you already think they can make the top four. It shouldn't make you try extra harder," he told Sky Sports.
"Regardless of City's situation, Arsenal will think they can have a great end to the season. I'd hate for this to be the thing that kicks them on.
"Everything is still very much up to play for many clubs.
"I think you cannot see across the board that it will change the perspectives.
"But players want to play in the Champions League.
"If I was player today that how I would see it."
