Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has told Thursday’s press conference – as per Football London – that the race for fourth place is not over. He name dropped Arsenal, West Ham, Manchester United and Wolves in his analysis.
Tottenham have given themselves the best chance of the lot to qualify for Champions League football after seven league wins in nine – and maximum points from their last four. They sit in fourth, three points ahead of Arsenal.
The Gunners have a game in hand, but it is away to Chelsea. West Ham have played a game extra and sit six behind, while United are also six behind – but have played the same as Spurs. Wolves are eight behind, played 32.
So, Spurs look good to qualify for the Champions League and they are fully expected to beat Brighton on Saturday at home. However, Brighton have just ended a run of seven losses to beat Arsenal. Conte gave his verdict.
“There is a great desire in my players to be protagonists in this competition but we know very well there are other teams very strong. Arsenal, United, West Ham, Wolverhampton are in this same race with us,” Conte said.
“But we want to fight until the end and we will see what happens at the end of the season. Champions League is a competition every club, every player, every manager want to play in. It can change your life.”
Conte on top four: Can Arsenal, West Ham, Wolves or United catch Spurs?
Right now, it is a two-team shootout – three at a push. West Ham’s continued form in the Europa League has affected their league form and a 2-0 loss to Brentford last time out has ended any chance of a fourth-placed finish.
Wolves are five points behind, slipping in recent games and have played more than Spurs. United remain only two wins behind, having played the same games and that could swing in their favour- though unlikely.
It all hinges on whether Arsenal can beat Chelsea in their game in hand – and then go to Tottenham on May 12 and win. Right now, unlikely.
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