Liverpool icon Mark Lawrenson has fired a brutal message towards Arsenal as they look to negotiate a tricky clash against Newcastle United.
The Gunners travel to St James’ Park on Monday evening for a crucial meeting in the race for Champions League football. Mikel Arteta ’s men have to win to move back into the top four after North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur edged ahead with a slender victory over Burnley on Sunday, which followed a dominant win over Arsenal.
A place back at Europe’s top table is still in the Gunners’ hands in the final week of the campaign but they simply cannot afford any more slip-ups. Ahead of the clash in the North-East, Lawrenson has fired a dig at the Gunners by questioning their ability to perform when the pressure is at its most intense.
Predicting a 1-1 draw on Monday night, he told BBC Sport : “Arsenal endured a horrible night in Thursday's north London derby, but they cannot afford to dwell on what went wrong for them against Spurs.
"It's typical Arsenal, really, because they always seem to get themselves in a good position but whenever something goes against them, they just seem to collapse. At times this season it has looked like they have become stronger mentally - but they haven't.
They are under pressure now, too. If Spurs beat Burnley on Sunday, and I think they will, then Arsenal will have to win at St James' Park or fourth place will be out of their hands on the final day of the season.
Will Arsenal or Tottenham finish fourth this season? Have your say in the comments below.
"We know Tottenham have a record of messing up too, but they play bottom side Norwich on the final day and Arsenal obviously do not want to be relying on the Canaries to do them a favour.”
Should Arsenal pick up three points at St James’ Park, they will move back above Spurs with a one-point advantage with just one match of the season left to play. The Gunners are set to face relegation-threatened Everton on the final day of the season, whilst Antonio Conte’s Tottenham travel to Carrow Road to take on rock-bottom Norwich City.
Arteta has already warned his side that they could be in for a tough evening against Newcastle, with the Magpies having been in great form since the arrival of Eddie Howe. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “Well, you can see what Eddie and the coaching staff have done.
“Straight away they tried to modify the way they were playing, they have changed formation a few times, but after that they've been quite consistent and they have turned the place around I think in a really good way, and so merit to them.”
Should Arsenal be successful in finishing in the top-four, it would signal their first return to the Champions League since 2017.
