What Arsenal must do to qualify for the Champions League as Chelsea win and Newcastle draw

What Arsenal must do to qualify for the Champions League as Chelsea win and Newcastle draw

 

The race for Champions League qualification is heating up, and Arsenal’s fate is no longer entirely in their own hands. With Chelsea securing a crucial win and Newcastle dropping points in a draw, the Gunners must now rely on a combination of their own results and slip-ups from their rivals to secure a top-four finish.

 

Here’s what Mikel Arteta’s side must do to ensure they return to Europe’s elite competition next season.

 

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1. Win Their Remaining Matches

First and foremost, Arsenal must focus on winning their remaining games. Any dropped points at this stage could prove fatal to their Champions League hopes. The Gunners have a challenging run-in, but victories in all their remaining fixtures would put them in a strong position.

 

2. Hope for Chelsea or Newcastle to Slip Up

With Chelsea winning and Newcastle drawing, the gap between Arsenal and their rivals remains tight. The Gunners need either:

– Chelsea to drop points in at least one of their remaining matches.

– Newcastle to lose or draw again, giving Arsenal a chance to overtake them.

 

Every result involving these two teams will be crucial in the final weeks of the season.

 

3. Improve Goal Difference

If the race goes down to the wire, goal difference could be decisive. Arsenal must not only win but aim to win convincingly to boost their goal difference, which could be the tiebreaker if they finish level on points with Chelsea or Newcastle.

 

4. Avoid Defensive Mistakes

Arsenal’s defensive frailties have cost them in key moments this season. To secure Champions League football, they must tighten up at the back and avoid costly errors that could lead to dropped points.

 

5. Leverage Squad Depth Wisely

Injuries and fatigue could play a role in the final stretch. Arteta must rotate his squad effectively, ensuring key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli remain fresh while still fielding a competitive side.

 

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Final Thoughts

Arsenal’s destiny is not entirely in their hands, but they still have a fighting chance. If they win their remaining games and get a little help from their rivals, the Gunners could yet secure a return to the Champions League.

 

The next few weeks will be tense, but with focus, determination, and a bit of luck, Arsenal can still make it happen.