Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes that Manchester United are favourites to finish in the top four this season.
The Gunners have been in fine form in the Premier League, winning all three of their games in February. Two of those victories came against Wolves, who've proven to be a stubborn defensive outfit of late and who are also hoping to secure European football for next season.
Their most recent victory over the West Midlands side came at the Emirates on Thursday night where Arsenal left it late to secure all three points.
Substitute Nicolas Pepe found the net in the 82nd minute to cancel out Hwang Hee-Chan's early goal, before Alexandre Lacazette's slightly wayward 95th minute shot deflected off Jose Sa to hand the Gunners the win.
The late show created an atmosphere and belief at the Emirates that hasn't been evident in recent years and fans are now confident that their team can finish in the Champions League places for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
However, Keown is less optimistic as things stand and believes that Manchester United will finish in the all-important fourth spot because Arsenal aren't scoring enough goals.
"I think Manchester United are in the boss seat," Keown told talkSPORT, as cited by the Metro.
"I do because it’s about consistency. I see [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang has scored four goals in two games for Barcelona. Arsenal are still having a problem in front of goal.
"I don’t think [Alexandre] Lacazette has scored a goal in open play since December 12th. It’s a long time ago.
"I do feel they’re showing some great character, [Nicolas] Pepe coming off the bench [vs Wolves].
"Let’s see what happens, but Arsenal are still in the mix. I think that’s all the fans need right now – that hope and belief that they can maybe go on and do it."
United currently occupy fourth position on 46 points but the Gunners trail by just one point and have two games in hand. Victory in those respective matches will help them take control of the race, but there's still a long way to go this season.
Nevertheless, Keown isn't the only former Premier League player who thinks United will end up in the Champions League spots.
When asked whether the Red Devils will finish in the top four on Sky Sports last month, United legend Roy Keane simply replied: "Without a doubt."
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He then cited "strength in depth" as a reason why they have the advantage in the race.
It'll be a tough ask for Arsenal moving forward, but the progress under Mikel Arteta in north London is clear for all to see.
