Ralf Rangnick has stated that Arsenal are in ‘good shape’ in the race to finish in the Champions League places, as he told his Manchester United press conference.
The Manchester United boss noted Arsenal’s recent win at home to Leicester, which has seen them take further charge of the race to finish fourth this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side are sitting fourth in the Premier League table – one point ahead of Rangnick’s fifth-placed side, who have played three games more than their north London rivals.
Both teams are due to meet next month at the Emirates, which could see Arteta and his players well and truly blow their rivals out of the water to finish fourth if they secure all three points.
Nonetheless, this is what Rangnick had to say about the race for top-four, Arsenal’s form and how Man United aren’t targetting one way to stay in the competition for next season.
“It doesn’t matter in which way will qualify for the Champions League next season,” said Rangnick. “The question is, what’s more realistic?
“Against Atletico, it’s the Champions League. We want to try everything that we possibly can to win the game. Then, hopefully, be in the last eight.
“In three weeks, we have the next Premier League game against Leicester at home and we will still try to push and do everything to win the next games.
“We are fully aware that we shouldn’t be dropping points anymore. Right now, Arsenal are in good shape. They won again at home against Leicester, so, for us, it’s clear that we have to look after ourselves and win all the upcoming games in the Premier League.”
In truth, Arsenal should see this one over the line and make a long-awaited return to the Champions League.
Whilst they don’t want to do it, they could even afford to lose against Man United next month and still do the business with their games in hand and finish fourth.
One thing that has helped the Gunners is that they haven’t had any midweek European action.
But, starting from last Sunday, these next six days will see Arsenal play three games.
Liverpool will visit London on Wednesday night, before they make a trip to the Midlands on Saturday to locks horns with Aston Villa.
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