Michael Owen has stated that securing a top-four finish is ‘still within the grasp’ of Tottenham, but he thinks it’s now an ‘impossibility’ for West Ham United, as he told Premier League Productions (20/03/22 at 6:25 pm).
On Sunday, Tottenham beat West Ham United 3-1 to move fifth into the Premier League table and boost their chances of securing Champions League football at the end of the campaign.
Antonio Conte’s side are three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have played a game less and clearly have the upper hand on those around them.
But, for the Hammers, they will probably now have to put a few more eggs into the Europa League basket because they are, not only six points behind Mikel Arteta’s side, but they have also played two games extra.
Nonetheless, this is what Owen had to say regarding the race for the top-four following the conclusion of Sunday’s all-London affair.
“They (Spurs) have been great to watch because you don’t know what’s going to come,” said Owen. “When they play well, then they are are a very, very good team.
“They have moved in-behind Arsenal now and you have to think that the race, for the top-four, is still within their grasp, whereas for West Ham, the top-four now is an impossibility.
“Six points behind and they have played two more games than Arsenal. That’s a long way to be catching anyone with about eight games to go.”
Given the gruelling number of weeks West Ham have been through, including going to extra-time against Sevilla in midweek, the international break has probably come at the right time.
The same probably can’t be said for Tottenham, who after winning then losing the next game for a number of weeks, ended that run by picking up back-to-back wins for the first time in December yesterday.
It’s all come at the right time because they are now breathing down Arsenal’s neck, with the north London derby on the horizon.
That previously postponed fixture is due to be rescheduled and it might just prove to be the defining game for who secures fourth, although, Manchester United will also want to have something to say about that.
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