Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal have the upper hand in the race for the illusive fourth Champions League spot.
Mikel Arteta’s side secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against Wolves in their last Premier League match, despite the fact they were reduced to ten men for the second time in three league matches.
While the north Londoners are currently trailing fourth place West Ham United in sixth position, they hold three games in hand over David Moyes’ side.
The Gunners host a struggling Brentford side this weekend before facing Bruno Lage’s dangerous Wolves side again.
And Carragher believes Arsenal ’s games in hand as well as their lack of European football could mean they are best placed to snatch fourth position.
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“I think it will be tough for West Ham to get in the top four,” the former Liverpool and England defender told Sky Sports.
“Arsenal, what a win that was for them away to Wolves. The games in hand, no European football.
“You think about how long Manchester United will be in the Champions League, that could play a part. It feels like it will go to the wire.
“I think it will go all the way to the end. Arsenal, do they have enough forwards? Spurs look to be in trouble.
“Right now I’d think you’d take them out of it. Wolves look [like] a really good team.”
The Gunners have endured a rollercoaster of a season, where they have simultaneously impressed but also collapsed on multiple occasions.
However, Arsenal fans are certainly more optimistic than United supporters, after Ralf Rangnick’s side failed to hold onto a lead yet again.
Jadon Sancho’s first Premier League goal at Old Trafford appeared to have put United on their way to a crucial victory against Southampton, until Che Adams slotted in a wonderful finish to level the contest for the Saints.
While United finished the game as the side hanging on, Carragher believes United’s recent lack of potency in the forward areas could cost them.
“With Man United, scoring goals is the hardest thing,” They are really struggling for any sort of continuity," Carragher added.
“They seem to be lacking confidence, belief and a system that works for them.”
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side have found themselves tumbling out of the race for the top four.
Their 2-0 home defeat to Wolves was not only their third Premier League defeat in a row, it was also the second consecutive loss they suffered at home.
And Conte warned his side that they should forget about Champions League football if they are unable to stem the worrying tide of losses that has befallen them.
“When you lose two games at home and against Chelsea – for a team that want to qualify for the Champions League, it’s impossible to happen,” Conte said.
“We know we have to fight to build something important with the situation but it’s important to know the situation.
“Maybe our fans shouldn’t be disappointed with the defeat – instead they should try and push us and stay behind us.
“The players need to find the right atmosphere and feel no pressure about a target that in this moment you can’t reach. I’ve been saying this since my arrival.”
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