After the 1-1 draw with Brighton, there are still about two ways that Arsenal can qualify for the Champions League – and here are both options explained.
The first option is through the Premier League. Calm down, I’ll explain.
SEE ALSO: Champions League Referees 2018/2019 List – Statistical Overview & Appearances
The Gunners could yet make it if there's a strange twist on the last day of the season.
For themselves, nothing but a victory over Burnley is okay – and it would have to be a massive one.
The Gunners are three points behind Spurs in the table, who have a considerable goal difference advantage. While Tottenham are sitting on +28, the Gunners is +20.
So the first part of the equation would be for Arsenal to win big away to Burnley. They would then need to hope Spurs lose like mad at home to Everton.
If Gunners defeat Burnley 4-0 and Sours lose by the same scoreline to Everton, that would leave both clubs level on points – and goal difference – for fourth.
Premier League rules would then look at who has scored a higher number of goals.
As it stands, the Gunners have 70 and Tottenham 65 – meaning they would have earned a top-four finish. Unlikely, right?!
The second option is the Europa League.
Europa League winner have the additional incentive of gaining automatic entry into the 2019/20 Champions League group stage.
The rule was established for 2014-15, when winners were initially assured a Champions League play-off place, going straight into the group stage if either themselves or the Champions League holders had already qualified through their domestic league.
That, in fact, constantly happened in the three seasons that same rule existed – and it switched to an automatic entry last season.
SEE ALSO: Europa League Winners – The Complete List Since Inception
Twice, Unai Emery has benefited from the rule before – in 2014/15 (when Valencia finished fifth in La Liga) and 2015/16 (where they finished seventh).
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
