Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has taunted rivals Tottenham Hotspur, claiming they “do not have enough quality” to finish in the top four.
A late Gareth Bale winner gave Spurs a 1-0 victory over Southampton despite an uninspired performance however they remain fifth with both Arsenal and Chelsea collecting 1-0 wins.
Tottenham and Chelsea are set to face each other in midweek which will either tilt the race for third and fourth to one side or create an even tighter race. The Gunners are not to play again until Tuesday against Wigan, so if results go their way some pressure could be relieved.
Szczesny is happy for more 1-0 victories in their remaining matches if that means a top three finish, in which he believes rivals Spurs simply do not have the quality to reach.
The Polish international told Arsenal Player:
I was convinced that Tottenham had drawn 0-0 against Southampton. I only found out after the game that they had won 1-0, but I don’t think it matters really.
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If we win our next two games it will be enough because either Chelsea or Spurs will drop points because they play each other. If you look at Chelsea’s fixtures, they have Tottenham and Everton left and they won’t be easy games – and Tottenham do not have enough quality, so there you go…
I’d settle for another two 1-0s for the rest of the season and a place in the top three. Hopefully we can keep it going. Even if a game like this is boring at times, we couldn’t care less at this time. We just want to get the three points and go back home.
Szczesny certainly has a point, Spurs have once again stumbled at the final hurdle in the latter stages of the League. Arsenal have demonstrated maturity and quality over the past few months that have transformed them into the most in-form side in England. It is very encouraging for next season but first they must win their two last matches – Wigan and then Newcastle.
If Szczesny and his backline continue to provide the defensive resilience that have brought them numerous amounts of clean sheets then they will be in good stead for a top four or maybe a third place finish if results go their way. The most ideal situation is for the match between the Spuds and the Chavs to end in a draw, then Arsenal can push for third, meaning no UCL qualifying.
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