The past week has seen the complexion of the top four race turn on its head completely. Both Arsenal and Tottenham have seen their roles reverse as they hunt down Champions League qualification.
The Gunners were arguably in the driving seat, sitting fourth with games in hand over their north London rivals. However, consecutive losses to Crystal Palace and Brighton on their return from international duty have hurt their chances.
What hasn’t helped Mikel Arteta and his side is the momentum and performances on display from Spurs. Antonio Conte has managed to find some rhythm with his side, beating Newcastle 5-1 before a 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
READ MORE: Every word Antonio Conte said on Son, Hugo Lloris, Matt Doherty injury and the top four battle
It means that the Italian has his side three points clear of the Spaniard, but Arsenal have one game in hand over their rivals. Discussing the swing in results, Conte said: “I said this before: Arsenal, United and then Wolverhampton and West Ham are with us in the same race for a place in the Champions League. To know that your opponent lose their games, and for sure they have to give you the right desire, right will to get three points because in one hand you know our rivals lose the game if we lose, but we are always in the fourth place.”
Ex-Tottenham captain Michael Dawson featured on Gillette Soccer Saturday and believes that his former side are now the favourites to finish fourth, saying: “This time last week I would have said they [Spurs] are not favourites. Now I am saying they are because of Arsenal’s performance on Monday [against Crystal Palace]."
A former manager in Neil Warnock also chipped in on the discussion, adding: "Spurs will be favourites now. I wasn’t surprised when Arsenal got beat by Crystal Palace. They are a young side so they will always be hot and cold and it is hard to find complete consistency.
"They have done far better than I ever thought they would and have put themselves within a great chance of finishing fourth. So will have days like they did against Crystal Palace."
There is still a lot of football left to be played, with the two clubs still to face each other in the rearranged fixture come mid-May. Whether it ends up being a top four decider will be seen, with plenty more twists and turns to come.
