LONDON • Unlike their top-four rivals, Arsenal have, on paper, the easiest run-in with none of the top six sides left to play after tomorrow's Premier League game at home to Manchester United.
However, there is a reason why pundits and bookmakers have placed them behind Tottenham, Chelsea and United to qualify for the Champions League next term.
When the Gunners continue to show the same weak mentality that punctuated the final few years of Arsene Wenger's tenure as they did at Rennes, crumbling 3-1 in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, it invites questions about their ability to stay in the race.
Unai Emery's men were awful on Thursday night and were powerless to stem the dominance of Julien Stephan's team after the first-half dismissal of defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
The French Ligue 1 side won with strikes from Benjamin Bourigeaud and Ismaila Sarr, and an own goal by Nacho Monreal, after Alex Iwobi had opened the scoring for the visitors.
With their away form "a bit of a disaster", Martin Keown deems the Emirates clash to be "season-defining".
POWERING UP
I'm positive that with fresh players, with energy, with quality, that we have the possibility to put in a big performance against United and win against them.
UNAI EMERY, Arsenal boss, who wants every player to step up for the Premier League clash that could make or break their top-four hopes.
The ex-Arsenal defender told BT Sport: "They have been inconsistent, but their next game is at home and they have been strong there.
"Manchester United could be the perfect team to play next for Arsenal, the fans will demand it (the win) so bring them on.
"The problem Emery is having is he is not picking his best team. You have to pick your best team, I know Aaron Ramsey is leaving but, if you have to play him, so be it."
Pundit Michael Owen also feels "Arsenal cannot afford to lose the game if they want to get into the top four".
The former Liverpool and United striker told BT Sport: "It's really important for Arsenal.
"If Manchester United win and go four points clear, then it's going to be hard for Arsenal. They have got the momentum as well.
"Tonight (in France) was a big disappointment, no getting away from it. But that's what Arsenal are, they're an inconsistent team. You never know what team is going to turn up."
Emery has called for a "very big performance from each player" ahead of tomorrow's clash.
He said: "They (United) are in a very good moment, but we are together in the table and we played against them one month ago in the FA Cup (fourth round) - we lost 3-1, but I remember we did very good things, we had chances.
"We know Sunday is a tough match, an amazing match for everybody, we will be at home with our supporters."
"I'm positive that with fresh players (striker Alexandre Lacazette is expected to return to the starting line-up after being suspended in Europe), with energy, with quality, that we have the possibility to put in a big performance against United and win against them."
And goalkeeper Petr Cech dismissed suggestions the defeat at Roazhon Park would be damaging for team morale, insisting that Arsenal could "still overcome a two-goal deficit because in the end, the (away) goal we scored might play a big part (in the second leg next Thursday)".
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
Mark Lawrenson is backing Chelsea FC to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Cardiff City on Sunday. The Blues suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss to Everton at
Cardiff 1-2 Chelsea - Premier League 2018/19: Live score
Manager Maurizio Sarri says Chelsea's slow starts to the second half are becoming a "big problem", after they beat Slavia Prague to reach the Europa League semi-finals.
According to the New York Times, Juventus will not play any pre-season games in the US to avoid the risk of Ronaldo being detained in relation to the rape allegations against him.
Juve to avoid US pre-season amid Ronaldo rape claims - report
The Europa League is the right place to be for us next year. "If City don't win the FA Cup we'll have a very bright and early start for the Europa League and it might make it more difficult."
List of UEFA Europa League broadcasters - Wikipedia
Mata would be open to returning to Spain but knows a move to Barca is unlikely. He could choose to stay at United, with negotiations for a new deal still ongoing and improved terms being offered
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Spain's Lack of Cutting Edge Should Worry Luis Enrique. and while the hosts created plenty of chances, they were extremely wasteful in front of goal. The chances continued to flow for
Football: Spain's touch gives way to Spain's fight and
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Toni Kroos Winner Rescues Real Madrid, Atletico Lose More Ground Real Madrid shrugged off the absence of the injured Cristiano Ronaldo to extend their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday thanks to Toni Kroos's late winner.
Villarreal's late show stuns frustrated champions Madrid
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LONDON: Jurgen Klopp has warned Liverpool's Premier League rivals that the leaders are laying the foundations for long-term success. Klopp's side sit four points clear at the top as they chase Liverpool's first English title since 1990. But the Liverpool boss does not want this season's potential title triumph to be a one-off.
Liverpool laying groundwork for sustained success, says Klopp
MANCHESTER, England -- Sergio Aguero may not be risked for Manchester City's midweek trip to Watford with Pep Guardiola desperate to avoid injuries ahead of a busy December schedule.
Justification in the air amid Man City's historic treble
Chelsea held 2-2 by Burnley, denting Champions League hopes Chelsea suffered a setback in their push for a Champions League spot when they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Burnley in the Premier League on Monday and tempers flared at the end of the match when Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri was sent to the stands.
Chelsea held by Burnley, denting Champions League hopes
Qatar is expected to face a hostile crowd at the sold out 43,000-seat Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, where the emirate's sport authority offered free tickets to UAE fans. Qatari nationals, who previously traveled freely in the Gulf, are banned from entering the UAE unless they receive a special permit.
Calls for UAE to be punished after crowd violence mars Qatar
Gareth Bale 'nowhere near' being Real Madrid's leader, says Predrag Mijatovic Gareth Bale, who has scored only four goals in the league this season, has been injured over 20 times since his 105 million euro signing from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.
Football news - Gareth Bale 'nowhere near' being Real Madrid
Football: Jesus shines as City regain top spot, Eriksen fires
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