Image:Arsene Wenger: Believes the race for Champions League football is intensifying
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes the battle for Champions League football is intensifying as the campaign reaches its home stretch.
Gunners boss believes four teams are still in contention
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the battle for UEFA Champions League football is intensifying as the Premier League reaches its home stretch.
The Gunners host Aston Villa on Saturday seeking a seventh successive Premier League win after hitting a timely streak of form in recent weeks
They supplanted local rivals Tottenham in third place with a 1-0 victory over Everton on Wednesday night to give their hopes of securing European football next season a significant boost.
With nine games remaining, Wenger believes Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle will be Arsenal's competition as they push for a Champions League spot.
The French boss is hoping the Gunners can clinch third place and automatic qualification, but says he would settle with fourth and a spot in the play-off round.
He said: "Third is better than fourth, but if you have no choice, you take fourth and the opportunity. Let's see how it goes now.
"I believe Newcastle are still in the fight, as are Tottenham and Chelsea. Liverpool are maybe too far off, but you never know."
