Granit Xhaka has sent Tottenham Hotspur a message ahead of a highly-anticipated final day of the Premier League season. Should Arsenal beat Everton, the Gunners require their north London rivals to at least lose against Norwich City to stand a chance of clinching Champions league qualification.
The 29-year-old has featured 26 times for Mikel Arteta's side in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards three goals from the heart of midfield. He's somewhat impressed at Arsenal of late after turning the page in his love-hate affair with Gooners, though he continues to divide opinion.
Xhaka, who sees his current contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in 2024, has admitted that he and his side haven't given up hope of a top-four finish. Speaking to BBC Sport, the Switzerland international addressed Arsenal's chances following the loss to Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
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"If Tottenham lose and we win, you never know in football," said Xhaka. "We have to hope. Before the game, everything was in our hands. It’s a totally different game now. If you have to hope in football and in life it’s different."
The final day of the Premier League season is set to bow out in spectacular fashion, with a handful of various outcomes on the cards. Top-spot, Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League and relegation is all to play for and there'll be as many broken hearts as smiles on faces.
And, Arsenal look set to be at the centre of the drama with potential influence on both the top and bottom of the table. On the final day, Tottenham travel to Carrow Road to face already relegated Norwich City, meanwhile the Gunners welcome Everton to the Emirates Stadium.
But, with the Toffees having now secured safety from the drop, Arteta's side may have been handed a silver-lining on Sunday afternoon. Antonio Conte needs at least a point and for Arsenal to not win by more than a 15-goal advantage for Spurs to wrap up Champions League qualification.
Though, if Tottenham fail to win or draw against the Canaries, the Gunners must win to clamber back into the top-four. Arteta has too spoken on Arsenal's Champions League chances in the pre-match press conference.
"So we are back in Europe," the Spaniard said. "We don't know where, it will be decided. Hopefully, it will be Champions League.
"I believe that we're going to do what we have to do. We are going to be cheering for Norwich to do what they can do, for sure, and after that, we want to take the club to the next level."
"Very possible," Arteta added. "I've been back a few years and seen a few examples of teams that they played in the last game of the season and the things that happened. The closer the game is, I am more hopeful."
