Arsenal were held 1-1 at home by Brighton in the Premier League the result severely denting their top-four hopes.
With Tottenham losing on Saturday and Manchester United only managing a draw at Huddersfield earlier in the day, a win for Unai Emery’s side would have taken them to within a point of Spurs in the fourth spot, however, a draw with Brighton confirmed Chelsea’s Champions League return.
Although, the Gunners still have two chances to qualify for the Champions League football.
Through the Premier League
Arsenal are three points behind Spurs in the table, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side have +28 goal difference, while the Gunners only +20.
If in the last they of Premier League Arsenal can manage to beat Burnley 4-0 and Spurs lose with the same score to Everton the two sides will level not only on points but also in a goal difference. In the case of such results, Arsenal will have 70 scored goals and Spurs 65.
According to Premier League rules, the team who scored more goals will be earned a top-four finish.
Through the Europa League
Since 2014/15 campaign, the winners of the Europa League earn automatic qualification for the next season’s Champions League.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has twice benefited from the rule with Valencia and will look to do the same with the Gunners.
Emery’s side travel to Valencia for the second leg of the Europa League semi-final on Thursday-in a tie they are 3-1 up in after the first leg. The club have a great chance to earn a place in the final and win the league.
Arsenal star Granit Xhaka ahead of the game against Brighton admitted his side’s best hope of the Champions League spot may come by winning the Europa League.
Xhaka told
Standard Sport: “If you are in the semi-final, of course [it is the best route]. If you are in the semi-final, you are two games from the final. I know anything can happen but if you are three games from the title, you have to think positive.”
Europa League final will be played on May 29, in Baku.
