ARSENAL fans are predicting a Mikel Arteta masterclass to get the Gunners into the Champions League next season.
Manchester City were hit with a two-year ban from Uefa competition and a 25million fine on Friday for breaches to Financial Fair Play regulations.
And with Pep Guardiola’s side on course to still come inside the top four, a fifth-placed finish this term would be enough to secure Champions League football in 2020/21.
At the time of the news of the ban, Sheffield United occupied that fifth spot on 39 points.
Tottenham, Wolves, Everton and Manchester United make up the chasing pack with Arsenal on 31 points – along with Burnley, Newcastle and Southampton.
But a remarkable set of results before the end of the season could see Arsenal nip into fifth and secure a return to Europe’s elite club competition.
One fan wrote: “Im hearing 5th place gets UCL football next year…Arteta/Arsenal masterclass incoming.”
Another said: “City banned. Arsenal finishing 5th. 2021 Champions league winners. Artetaball on european nights in the Nou Camp. Arteta statue at the Emirates. Mikel FC eating Gucci x”
A third added: “If Arsenal get UCL by finishing 5th Ill be celebrating shamelessly I dont care LOOOOOOOOL.”
One commented: “5th place gets UCL football now. Arsenal are currently 8 points off 5th place Sheff Utd (with a game in hand). The UCL dream is back on.”
And a final user credited Arsene Wenger for the City ban – despite the former Gunners boss taking a job at Fifa rather than European governing body Uefa who handed out the punishment on Friday.
He tweeted: “Wenger starts working at Fifa a few months ago and now City are banned from Europe? Arteta will lead Arsenal to 5th and back to the Champions League. Hes done it again.”
However, it would take a stunning upturn in form for the Gunners to finish fifth.
Only Watford and Norwich – the bottom two at the time of Manchester City’s ban – have won fewer games than Arsenal’s six Prem games this term.
5th place gets UCL football now. Arsenal are currently 8 points off 5th place Sheff Utd (with a game in hand). The UCL dream is back on.
https://t.co/QitxjICa0m
— Bhavs (@bhavss14) February 14, 2020
