Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick says he would rather be in Arsenal's position over Tottenham as the season reaches its climax. It comes as the two North London rivals are in the midst of a race for the top four, with one place seemingly up for grabs to seal Champions League qualification for next season.
The latest turn in the battle came at the weekend, where both sides managed to secure victories. Spurs played first on Sunday, beating Leicester 3-1 thanks to Harry Kane’s opener and Son Heung-min’s brace.
Manager Antonio Conte claimed he was happy with the display from his side: “It was a good performance against a really good team. The game wasn't easy, and we knew very well that despite them making eight changes from the last game against Roma, you could see the quality, you can see the squad that Leicester has.”
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Tomiyasu's injury, winning ugly and the win over West ham
As for the Gunners, they played later in the day, knowing that they would have to match their rivals’ result against West Ham to be able to reclaim fourth. Goals from Rob Holding and Gabriel either side of Jarrod Bowen’s strike gave them all three points against the Hammers.
Boss Mikel Arteta was pleased with the character his team showed: "It was a good performance against a really good team. The game wasn't easy, and we knew very well that despite them making eight changes from the last game against Roma, you could see the quality, you can see the squad that Leicester has."
It means the current gap between the two sides stays at two points, with a collision course set for the North London derby later this month. It could be a deciding factor, with a huge four games remaining for both this season.
While much debate rages on over which side have the advantage, former Manchester United midfielder Carrick has claimed he would rather be in Arsenal’s position. Speaking to Premier League productions, he said: "People ask the question, would you rather have the points in the bag or would you rather be chasing and without so much pressure?
"I would much rather be in a position where it’s in your own hands, 100%. And that’s where Arsenal have found themselves so credit to them that have put themselves in this position.
"West Ham was not an easy game for them but they got the win. It gives them a great chance now." The Hammers game saw an end to a run of tough fixtures, including Chelsea and Manchester United, where they won all three games.
However, there are still plenty of games left to play, including the long-awaited clash between the two. Whether it comes down to the result of that fixture remains to be seen, but it could be the catalyst for each club’s future under their managers, should they reach or miss out on the Champions League.
