Arsenal will have to depend on a result from already-relegated Norwich City, which is a highly unlikely scenario if they wish to finish in the top four as a result of their deserved defeat at Newcastle.
The Gunners were trounced 2-0 at St. James’ Park on Monday evening, allowing their opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, to grab the lead in the fight for a place in the top four. For the Gunners, it was a particularly bad night.
In the 56th minute, Ben White diverted a shot from Callum Wilson into his own net, giving the Magpies their first goal. Later in the game, Bruno Guimaraes added to Wilson’s goal by doubling the Magpies’ lead.
In all honesty, Arsenal deserved nothing from the game, and as a consequence of their setback, they are now two points behind Spurs heading into the season’s final weekend. Arsenal had played Spurs the week before and lost 3-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs are in fourth position with 68 points after 37 games, while Arsenal are in sixth place with 66 points after 37 games.
On Sunday, Antonio Conte’s squad goes to Carrow Road to face Norwich, while Arsenal welcomes Everton at the Emirates Stadium in a clash that day.
Conte’s side now just needs a draw against their already-relegated hosts to achieve Champions League qualifying, which they are expected to accomplish.
Arsenal will need to beat Everton and hope that Norwich can surprise Spurs in order to win.
“It’s not easy to compete against Burnley,” former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said after his team’s 1-0 win against them on Sunday.
“They tested our nerves because it was vital to get three points. We had to do our task and win to put some pressure on Arsenal.
“We know very well it is not easy to play against Newcastle, especially since the arrival of the new manager.
“They are in a good spell and it is not an easy game. I will watch the game because I love football and I want to watch and I want to suffer.”
