Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were both victorious on Sunday afternoon in a day where London rivals Chelsea were dragged into a top-four dogfight.
The London trio, who currently occupy third, fourth and fifth in the Premier League table, were all in action during Sunday’s three top-flight games. And a slip-up for defending Champions League holders Chelsea could potentially affect their chances of qualifying for the competition next season.
Thomas Tuchel’s side started the weekend third and six points clear of Arsenal in fourth. However, a surprise 1-0 loss to relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park opened the door for the north London duo to close the gap. Richarlison got the only goal of the game inside the opening minutes of the second half.
Chelsea’s defeat to Everton kicked off at the same time as Spurs’ meeting with Leicester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Star duo Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son ran the show once again, with Kane opening the scoring before Son notching twice in the second half to put the hosts 3-0 up. A stoppage time consolation from Kelechi Iheanacho saw the game end 3-1, with Tottenham temporarily climbing above Arsenal and into fourth.
Spurs, who are now five points behind Chelsea, dropped back to fifth within three hours of full-time from Sunday’s later kick-off as Arsenal beat London rivals West Ham United 2-1. Headers from Rob Holding and Gabriel either side of Jarrod Bowen’s first half equaliser secured three big points for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, moving them to within three points of Chelsea.
With four games left, it appears to be a three-team race for fourth place between the London trio to clinch third and fourth. On paper, Chelsea not only have the points advantage, but also have an advantage in terms of who they have left to play.
Which two teams will join Manchester City and Liverpool in the top four? Have your say in the comments section.
In Chelsea 's final four league games, three are against bottom half sides in Leeds United, Leicester and Watford, two of which are in the current bottom four and fighting for survival. That trio of games comes after a meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. However, they do have the disadvantage of playing in the FA Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium in the middle of their quartet of final league games.
Arsenal ’s final fixtures see them face Leeds, trips to Spurs and Newcastle United before hosting Everton on the final day. Arsenal’s north London derby with Spurs is likely to be a winner-takes all affair, with both teams needing close to perfect form and it is guaranteed that one, if not both, will drop points.
As well as facing Arsenal, Spurs have to travel to Liverpool in what is an upcoming double header of crunch ties for Antonio Conte’s side. Should they come through those okay, they end the season against 16th-placed Burnley and a final day meeting with already relegated Norwich.
Chelsea’s second slip-up in three days has opened the door up for Arsenal and Spurs, but their meeting on Thursday, May 12 is likely to be a season-defining clash. A win for Arsenal would make it incredibly tough for Spurs to do it. West Ham’s defeat to Arsenal ended their hopes of Champions League football, while Arsenal need just two points to ensure Manchester United cannot reach the Champions League.
