London: Arsenal host Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend in a game that could have a major bearing on who secures a coveted Champions League spot for next season.
Arsenal have flown under the radar in recent weeks but have quietly been going about their business as they battle for a return to the Champions League after two seasons away from Europe’s top table.
Unai Emery’s men missed out on returning to the top four after Aubameyang saw his late penalty saved by Hugo Lloris in last week’s north London derby draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
But after their home game against Manchester United here, Sunday, the fixture list looks kind, with none of the top six sides left to play.
For all Arsenal’s inconsistency this season, the latest wobble a 3-1 Europa League defeat at Rennes, a return to the Champions League next season would be proof of progress in the post-Arsene Wenger era.
Third-placed Tottenham, now realistically out of the title race, are just five points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea as the finishing line comes into sight.
Harry Kane took advantage of a blank week for his main rivals — Sergio Aguero, Mohamed Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — to revive his chances of winning a third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons.
The England captain, who missed four Premier League games with an injured ankle, is on 16 goals, level with Aubameyang, one behind Salah and two adrift of Aguero.
With three goals in four games in all competitions since he returned from injury, Kane will fancy his chances against struggling Southampton, Saturday.
AFP