Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remains hopeful, but is aware that failing to make the Champions League will be a missed opportunity… as the Gunners look for a final day miracle to deprive rivals Tottenham
- Arsenal led the race for fourth for weeks, but Tottenham have overtaken them
- The Gunners need to seal a win over Everton and hope Spurs lose to Norwich
- Boss Mikel Arteta insists it’s a missed opportunity if they fail to finish top four
Mikel Arteta admits failing to make the Champions League will be a huge missed opportunity for Arsenal.
The Gunners have led the race for fourth but suffered ill-timed successive defeats, allowing Tottenham to overtake them with the finishing line in sight.
Arteta said: ‘It will be for sure (a missed opportunity) because we were there and mathematically it was possible and it was in our hands.
Mikel Arteta says failing to make Champions League will be a missed opportunity for Arsenal
The Gunners have led the race for fourth but suffered ill-timed successive defeats of late
‘That feeling could be there if it happens and it will take some time to take away.’
Despite that, boss Arteta has not yet given up hope of a final-day miracle.
Arsenal need to beat now-safe Everton and hope relegated Norwich stun Spurs.
Arteta said: ‘It is very possible. I have been back a few years and seen examples of teams playing in the last game of the season and things happening. The closer the game is, I am hopeful.’
Arsenal need to beat now-safe Everton and hope relegated Norwich stun Tottenham
Arteta confirmed he will speak to Gareth Southgate over his summer plans for Bukayo Saka, with England having Nations League games next month.
‘He needs a break,’ Arteta said. ‘He has played a lot of minutes. You expect your important players to do so but obviously you have to bear in mind that at some stage he needs to rest.
‘That is something we really need to think about, the plans for him.’
