Every result Arsenal will need to get European football with hopes still alive
Arsenal currently sit ninth in the table, with just two games left to play – a trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Wednesday night before signing off on the season with a home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite overseeing one of the worst Arsenal campaigns in recent memory that has seen the Gunners lose as many times as they have won at their own ground (seven), Arteta will be holding on to the hope his sides blushes are somewhat spared should results go their way.
Remarkably, Arsenal could have ended up in the Champions League – just two games away before they were knocked out of the Europa League at the hands of Villarreal, managed by Arteta's predecessor Unai Emery.
The Gunners still have a chance of qualifying for two different European competitions – the newly formed UEFA Europa Conference League and the more familiar UEFA Europa League, depending on how they fare in their own games while keeping an eye on the likes of Everton, Tottenham and West Ham above them.
Tottenham
A 'St.Totteringham's' day (the day it is confirmed Arsenal have finished above their local rivals Spurs) seems unlikely for the Gunners faithful this year, given the fact Spurs sit four points ahead of them with just two games to go.
Interim boss Ryan Mason will welcome Aston Villa to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a game that if Spurs win, will guarantee their place above Arsenal, meaning the Gunners would be unable to finish higher than seventh, even if they themselves win both of their remaining games.
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A seventh placed finish would see the Gunners entered into the final round of qualifiers for the Europa Conference League.
Normally, it would be the Carabao Cup winners, but Manchester City are already guaranteed a Champions League place.
West Ham
West Ham's dream of Champions League qualification appears to have taken a hammer blow after defeat at home to Chelsea left them with a mountain to climb, and a recent draw at the Amex looks to have resigned them to the Europa League at best – something every fan would have taken come the beginning of the season.
David Moyes will lead his side out twice more this season, against already relegated West Brom before a home tie against Southampton.
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Due to West Ham being on the same points tally as Tottenham, a win in their next game would ensure Arsenal could not over-take them, again meaning the best they could do in terms of European football next season would be the UEFA Europa Conference League.
In the remarkable instance that both Tottenham and West Ham lose their next game, the chance of sneaking into sixth place on the last day would still be a possibility for the Gunners – which would see them return to the Europa League.
Everton
Mikel Arteta will be buoyed by Everton's recent loss at home to already-relegated Sheffield United, as the result could provide the Gunners with the chance to leapfrog the Toffees before the season draws to a close.
Currently just one point in front, Everton host Wolves before making the daunting trip to newly-crowned champions Manchester City on the final day.
Any slip ups and Arsenal will be hoping they are in a position to overtake Carlo Ancelotti's side.
However, even eighth-placed would not be enough to secure them European football next year, as it looks increasingly likely only the top seven clubs will feature in Europe in any capacity now that Manchester City have secured the Carabao Cup and Leicester City the FA Cup.
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