Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Why Arsenal are yet to qualify for next season's Champions League as dream scenario emerges

Arsenal's last two results in the Premier League may have dented their hopes of being crowned champions in May, but draws against Liverpool and West Ham United has left them on the brink of a return amongst Europe's elite.

When Mikel Arteta's side arrived at the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, their lead at the top of the table had been cut down to three points after Manchester City made it 10 wins in a row across all competitions by dispatching Leicester City.

And come full-time in east London, the Gunners were left reflecting on letting another two-goal lead slip - having done so seven days prior against Liverpool - as drawing 2-2 means they are now only four points clear at the top and there's very little room for error if they are to hold off City's challenge.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta's one demand points towards decision for Arsenal signing to replace Rob Holding

But away from the title race, it's worth pointing out that Arsenal are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League and their return to the competition after a six-year absence could be confirmed as early as Friday night - and the dream scenario is that they don't have to rely on results from elsewhere.

Barring a spectacular collapse in the final seven games of the campaign, the north London outfit will be back at Europe's top table next season. In fact, their current points haul of 74 would have been enough for a top-four finish in each of the last four Premier League campaigns.

Now, the only reason the Gunners haven't mathematically secured Champions League football yet is three-fold; One being their draw against West Ham means they can still finish fifth, the other being Tottenham Hotspur can still finish above them if there's a drastic turn of events with regard to goal difference and finally Brighton and Hove Albion having multiple games in hand.

However, as long as Arsenal beat Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, they will be assured of a top-four finish. This is because a victory puts them on 77 points whilst Brighton and Spurs can only finish on 76 and 74 respectively were they to win all of their remaining fixtures.

Alternatively, if the Gunners were to drop points at home to the Saints, they'll have to wait until Wednesday night - when they entertain title rivals Man City - for the next opportunity to qualify for the Champions League as Brighton are in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend.

A year ago, fans will have been watching Champions League quarter-final ties unfold wondering if their club would be able to host the likes of Real Madrid under the lights at the Emirates in the near future. With that said, a recent stumble in the title race shouldn't take away from the fact that it's a matter of when, not if, Arsenal will be back in Europe's elite competition.

READ NEXT:

Points total to be crowned Premier League champions as Arsenal set new target in Man City battle

Arsenal and Manchester City's remaining Premier League fixtures analysed as title race hots up

Arsenal already have '$60m' confirmation of transfer bargain as Stan Kroenke hits double jackpot

Arsenal handed fresh Premier League title omen as Man City face Chelsea concern

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, views and rumours from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.