‘We both won so let’s go’ – Arteta admits ‘pressure’ is on in top four race

Mikel Arteta has admitted that the pressure is now on in the race for Champions League qualification, with Tottenham and Arsenal being separated by just two points with four games left to go.

After their disappointing performances and results against Brentford and Brighton, Tottenham got back to winning ways with a commanding display against Leicester. 

The 3-1 win took Spurs above Arsenal temporarily ahead of the Gunners’ trip to the London Stadium.

While Arteta’s men were not at their best, they dug out a hard-fought win against the Hammers to keep their two-point lead intact.

Arsenal will now be hoping to extend the gap over the coming weekend as they welcome Leeds to the Emirates Stadium while Tottenham travel to Anfield.

Arteta credited his players for ‘winning ugly’ and maintaining the upper hand in the race for Champions League qualification.

He told BBC Sport after his side’s 2-1 win: “You have to find a way to win and today we won ugly. We have to recognise that is the way we had done it.

“We showed incredible spirit because when we could play the way we wanted to play we had to find a way to play the way they prefer. We adapted. You have to find a way to win all the time – forcing mistakes, being brilliant, digging in, clean sheets.

“I am really happy, especially for Rob Holding as he hasn’t played the amount of minutes he deserves. He was the man of the match today. He is always there when we need him.”

Arteta sounded pretty upbeat about his side’s chances of finishing fourth even though he admitted that the pressure is on.

When asked about the race for fourth, he simply responded: “Let’s see. Another seven days to prepare for the match. The pressure is there and we both won so let’s go.”

Spurs Web Opinion

After their win yesterday, Arsenal are the clear favourites for fourth, particularly given that we travel to Anfield next weekend. The pressure will also be on us for the North London derby as it is a must-win game for us while a draw will be a great result for Arsenal.

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