3 Results Arsenal and Spurs need in their favour to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.


Arsenal and Spurs look to book their berth in the European top flight after enduring a frustrating campaign and both teams look to turn their fortunes around once the Premier League resumes. Five months after finishing runners-up to Liverpool in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, Spurs shocked the footballing world by announcing that they had sacked Mauricio Pochettino after the team endured disappointing results which left them at the 14th place in the table. Arsenal, on the other hand, parted ways with Unai Emery after only 18 months since appointing the ex-Sevilla and PSG boss as Arsene Wenger's successor. 




 European qualification for UEFA competitions explained

Image Source: premierleague.com




Without wasting much time, Spurs announced the arrival of the “Special One” Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese returned to the dugout after being sacked by The Red Devils the previous season. On the other hand, Arsenal appointed their former player and Pep’s most trusted general Mikel Arteta from Manchester City. Both managers have endured a mixed campaign due to disappointing results which have left them below the top 4 positions. The competition for the top 4 looks intense as both the London outfits have Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Chelsea, and Sheffield United as their competitors.



But there is hope for Arsenal and Spurs as Manchester City have been banned from competing in the UEFA Champions League for the next 2 seasons after being found guilty of violating the rules of FFP( Financial Fair Play). Although the defending champions have appealed against their ban, it is difficult to say what will be their fate as many legal experts have predicted that the Citizens might not be successful in this endeavor. As the race gets tighter for claiming the remaining 2 spots for next season's European football, let us discuss the three key fixtures Spurs and Arsenal need in their favor to qualify for next year's Champions League. 



 Key Results:


  1. The North London Derby: Draw


Arsenal vs Tottenham: Is the gap between the north London sides ...

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For both the North London outfits, this fixture is indeed a very crucial one. The last time these two teams played, the match ended in a stalemate. It was a feisty encounter as the Gunners salvaged a point after coming behind from a two-goal deficit in the second half. With the Gunners sitting 9th and Spurs sitting 8th in the table, both teams cannot afford to lose this important match. If both the London outfits claim one point each, it would increase their chances of qualifying for the next season's Champions League. 


2. Arsenal Vs Liverpool: (Arsenal Win)


Arsenal vs Liverpool - as it happened | Liverpool, Arsenal ...

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Needless to say, every game for the Gunners is very important to qualify for next season's European Competition, and any team contending for the top 4 spots cannot afford to lose a single game at the closing stages of the campaign. While this the case for Arteta’s men as well, it is a “do-or-die” situation for them against Liverpool. Moreover, a must-win against the table-toppers will give a much-needed boost to the Gunners and increase the dressing room morale. As Liverpool are arguable the strongest team in the league, a draw or a loss will be a serious blow in their pursuit to qualify for the Champions League. 




3.Tottenham Hotspurs Vs Manchester United: (Spurs Win)

 

Video Tottenham vs Manchester United - Full Highlights (With ...

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As Spurs are yet to face the Red Devils for a second time, this is one of the fixtures which is very crucial to Jose Mourinho's men. With both teams in the contention for qualifying for the top 4, no team can afford to slip during their final games. The Special One's previous visit against his former employees ended in disappointment as his men were outclassed by United. However, this time around, the Lilywhites will look to avenge their previous loss by claiming all 3 points. If spurs win this crucial encounter, it would increase their chances of finishing ahead of the Red Devils in the race for Champions League qualification.  



As the Premier League is set to return, both the North London teams have a major challenge ahead of them. Moreover, Manchester United, Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Sheffield United are also in the hunt for the top 4. With Manchester City appealing against their suspension, the fate of the defending champions is still unknown. On the other hand, Arsenal and Spurs are yet to face each other which makes their encounter a crucial one.


Both team's final fixtures are very competitive and the Gunners have a slight advantage over their rivals as they have one game in hand. Nevertheless, both teams are in a similar position as losing even one game can seal their fate. If Arsenal and Spurs claim maximum points from their remaining fixtures, they will play in the next season of Europe's prestigious club competition.






Author,

Zaid

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