Merson and Redknapp believe Arsenal are favourites over Spurs for top four

Paul Merson and Jamie Redknapp believe Arsenal now have the upper hand over Tottenham in the race for fourth following their win at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham’s 1-0 loss at home to Brighton last weekend has seemingly opened up the race for Champions League qualification.

Arsenal, who had lost three back-to-back Premier League matches heading into their clash against Chelsea, pulled off a surprise win at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday to draw level on points with Spurs.

The Lilywhites are now ahead of their North London rivals only on goal difference and Merson believes the Gunners now have the advantage, with Spurs travelling to Brentford on Saturday.

The former Arsenal midfielder told Sky Sports 20/04/22 from 21:45 onwards (as relayed by The Daily Mail): “[It was] brilliant to go to Stamford Bridge and score four goals on the back of three defeats – phenomenal.

“When they turn up and see that team sheet, no [Antonio] Rudiger, no [Thiago] Silva (from the start). Two big players and [Kai] Havertz and they took advantage and fair play it’s in their hands now.

“I think advantage Arsenal. I don’t think Tottenham beat Brentford away (on Saturday). Brentford are flying at the moment.

“I think Manchester United’s a hard game (for Arsenal), I know they have been terrible but who doesn’t want to go to the Emirates and play football.

“You’ve got no pressure Man United, the first game played against a team of their magnitude and no one expects anything. Just go out on Saturday and get beat and no one cares.”

Redknapp agreed with Merson’s assessment, insisting that the win at Chelsea makes Mikel Arteta’s men the favourites for the fourth spot.

He said: “Don’t underestimate how big a result this is. [There are] tough games ahead, Man United and Tottenham, but this makes them favourites in the top four race again.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Arsenal’s result at Chelsea has certainly thrown the cat amongst the pigeons in the race for fourth. However, to say that the Gunners are favourites is a kneejerk reaction. They had lost three consecutive games heading into the clash at Chelsea and also have a much more difficult run-in compared to Spurs.

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