Arsenal Proving Worth, Within UEFA Champions League Qualification
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The top four teams in the Barclays Premier League have all drawn in their last game of the 2014 calendar year. This left Arsenal the opportunity to draw level with Southampton FC on points to finish the year in fifth place, but tied on points for the final Champions League qualification spot. Arsenal were able to win their final matchup of the year in the Premier League on a 2-1 score line against West Ham United.
Arsenal started out the day in sixth place outside of European competition qualification, but a victory was enough to move the Gunners up to fifth place in the standings.
Arsene Wenger has managed to lead the Gunners to 16 straight appearances in the Champions League and is looking to qualify for the 17th time under Wenger’s reign.
Arsenal will face Southampton as soon as the New Year dawns on January 1, 2015. The North London side will visit Southampton in the hopes of usurping the fourth position in the Premier League. Although there is still half a season to play, Arsenal should be able to secure a Champions League spot and compete for a third place finish.
Southampton have shown that they can be strong in the first half of the league season, but so far have been unable to end the season on a high note. Arsenal have traditionally had their best run from January to February until the knockout stages of the Champions League begins. Arsenal should be able to compete for third place, but anything beyond is once again out of the question for the Gunners.
Yoshiki Matsunaga is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter yoshikimat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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