Analysing the race for fourth in the Premier League

23/03/22 2499

Due to the international break, the Premier League is on hold for a fortnight. That gives us the chance to take stock and examine the race for fourth place.

We all know that Manchester City and Liverpool are set to compete in a two-horse race for the title. Pep Guardiola’s side are top with 70 points, while the Merseysiders are one point behind.

With third-place Chelsea ten points behind Liverpool and five points ahead of fourth-place Arsenal, Thomas Tuchel’s team should finish third without any real problems.

However, the race for fourth is still wide open. With five teams battling it out for the final Champions League spot, let’s take a closer look at the contenders.

• Arsenal (4th): Games – 28; Points – 54

As it stands, Arsenal are in pole position to finish fourth. Not only do they sit three points ahead of fifth-place Tottenham, but they also have a game in hand over their nearest rivals.

Mikel Arteta’s boys have won six of their last seven Premier League games and have lost just two of their previous 13. That's why they find themselves in the driving seat.

• Tottenham Hotspur (5th): Games – 29; Points – 51

It is no secret that Tottenham have been wildly inconsistent under Antion Conte. But after winning five of their past seven league outings, they appear to be heading in the right direction.

Harry Kane has bagged seven goals and three assists across his previous seven league games, while Son Heung-min has netted four goals in his last five. The deadly duo could drive Spurs into the top four.

• Manchester United (6th): Games – 29; Points – 50

Man Utd claimed a crucial win over Tottenham last time out, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a vintage hat-trick. But have the Red Devils got what it takes to keep pace in the top-four race?

Although United have lost only one of their past ten Premier League games, they find themselves four points behind Arsenal. On top of that, the Gunners have a game in hand on the Old Trafford outfit.

• West Ham United (7th): Games – 30; Points – 48

Between October and December, West Ham cemented their place in the top four. After slipping out of the Champions League places, they returned at points during January and February.

Yet, following two defeats in three games against Liverpool and Spurs, the Hammers have fallen behind. Perhaps their best chance of playing Champions League football is to win the Europa League.

• Wolverhampton Wanderers (8th): Games – 30; Points – 46

Like West Ham, Wolves have taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks. After losing four of their last six Premier League games, Bruno Lage’s boys are all but out of the race for fourth.

Despite having played two games more than Arsenal, the Wanderers find themselves eight points shy of the Gunners. They would need a minor miracle in order to snatch fourth place from here.