Arsenal: 4 things Arteta’s side must avoid to secure top four

4. Do Not Lose the North London Derby

It’s quite simple. Avoid defeat in the North London Derby. Victory could potentially clinch a fourth spot for Arsenal depending on other results elsewhere, but above anything else, under every single circumstance, do not lose that game.

Such is the way that the table and the fixtures are that Arsenal need to only match Spurs’ results to clinch the final Premier League spot. That is the goal at hand.

Before the derby comes around each side has two matches to play: Arsenal travel to West Ham and host Leeds, while Spurs welcome Leicester and travel to Anfield. Of the two you know which fixtures you’d rather have.

That said, there is no knowing how either match may turn out. Such may be the turn of events that Arsenal may need to go to Spurs having to win the game. And, of course, winning would be the most favourable outcome. The aim isn’t to go there for a draw. But, without knowing the state of play prior to the game, in a fixture that Arsenal haven’t won on the road since 2015, just make sure not to lose it.

Having an away trip to Newcastle and a home visit of a dire Everton team, they should be the games where Arsenal’s fate is in their own hands.

Victory over Spurs at their new ground for the first time, with three points that could effectively seal a Champions League return, would be stupendous. The emotion would be on another level. Heck, the All or Nothing documentary may peak.

But losing that game, when Spurs have Burnley and Norwich to finish the season, would be catastrophic. Go for the win, but for heaven’s sake, don’t lose it.