Arsenal’s chances of a top-four finish in the Premier League were postponed by Granit Zahaka’s 1-1 draw to Burnley on Saturday, while Southampton ended the run by winning nine games to beat Sheffield United 2–0. Given. The Gunners’ best hope of returning to the Champions League for the first time in five years is now in winning the Europa League after sliding two more points over Turf Moor.
Mikel Arteta’s men finished 10th, scoring nine points from the top four and playing the fourth fifth with a definite interval to go up on Sunday as does Chelsea over Everton.
“It’s really complicated. I have such a feeling that we’re playing at the moment that we can win any game,” Arteta said.
“But if you are giving something to an opponent then anything can happen. This is where we have the biggest margin for improvement.”
Arsenal could not have asked for a better start as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang took his 14th goal of the season after just six minutes, taking advantage of some sluggish defense and slow reaction from England goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Xhaka was stupidly sent off when he last met 10 in December in the midst of a win in 10 matches that gave Arsenal a mountain to climb to get back into the race for a European spot.
The Swiss midfielder had another afternoon as he had been forgotten for half an hour six minutes earlier and threw the ball into Chris Wood’s midiff and the ball reached the net from the New Zealand striker’s side.
Arsenal still should have won the game after the break as Eric Pieters escaped with a strong penalty shout for handball and then saw a red card and was punished by VAR Review for a second shot, coming back from the Dutchman’s shoulder. Gone.
Dani Cabellos also hit the post in a frantic closing ceremony, but Burnley held a point to shore up seven of the lower three.
– sigh of relief
Southampton are now clear of the 10-point charge field, fearing they may be drawn into a battle of survival.
Ralph Hasenhuttle’s men topped the table in November, but a score out of a possible 27 saw them on their shoulders.
However, the Champions-bound Blades proved to be the right opponent for South Africa despite an early injury to top rival Danny Ings.
Promoted
James Ward-Prowse’s penalty opened just after the half-hour mark before Chelms Adams recorded his first goal in 17 goals with a blistering strike to the top corner in 49 minutes.
Sheffield United collect 12 points of protection with just 10 more games to defend themselves.
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