Gunners under fire as top-five pressure mounts

AT this rate, the hunt for second place is still on. Why does it matter? For one, there’s the prize money – which means more to spend in the summer on improvements.

The other is the psychological boost: a strong finish builds confidence heading into next season.

At one point, second place seemed like a lock for Arsenal. But after this weekend’s result, both Manchester City and Newcastle are breathing down Mikel Arteta’s neck. What looked like a treble of second-place finishes under Arteta’s master plan is now in jeopardy, as the Gunners suffered another defeat at the Emirates.

Yes, one eye may have been on the Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris St Germain (PSG), but you can’t afford to neglect your league form.

Winning builds mentality AND you can’t just switch it on and off. It gives you belief, momentum, and rhythm.

If Arteta truly had one eye on PSG, why did he still start most of his first-team players instead of resting them? A baffling lineup.

PSG, by comparison, rested the majority of their first eleven in Ligue 1 over the weekend. Luis Enrique made his priorities clear.

While Arsenal had a solid first half, they completely crumbled in the second. Ironically, a team often mocked as ‘set-piece FC’ conceded twice from set-pieces against Bournemouth.

The Cherries have now done the double over Arsenal this season and Bournemouth first win ever at the Emirates.

The pressure is mounting on Arteta. If the Spaniard fails to beat PSG, there could be growing calls for his dismissal.

Arteta isn’t the only one under scrutiny. Arsenal fans are beginning to turn against club captain Martin Odegaard for his apparent reluctance to shoot. It is like Odegaard is allergic to shooting.

Perhaps that’s what’s stopping him from reaching elite status in the football world.

He has all the tools, but his goal contribution remains underwhelming.

Next up? Arsenal face newly crowned champions Liverpool. A loss there could see the pressure intensify, especially with City now on Arsenal’s heels.

Pep Guardiola’s side have won four league games in a row, and with Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell tour in full swing, City are charging hard.

Despite defensive lapses, they managed to grind out another win at the Etihad.

The blend of youth and experience is starting to click, and with Rodri scheduled to back, expect a fierce title challenge next season.

Guardiola has hinted that next year might be his last – suggesting the Premier League’s intensity is starting to take its toll.

Aston Villa bounced back from their FA Cup and Champions League exits by beating Fulham. The objective is now simple: secure Champions League qualification.

If Unai Emery’s side can consistently collect three points, they’ll be in with a strong shout, especially if Chelsea or Newcastle falter.

Speaking of Chelsea, they gave the new champions a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge before beating Liverpool to boost their European ambitions.

Arne Slot rotated his squad, and Enzo Maresca’s side took full advantage. Encouragingly for Blues fans, Cole Palmer looked back to his best and needed to finish the season strong!

Chelsea will need him firing if they’re to clinch a European spot.

The game of the week? Brentford vs Manchester United — a seven-goal thriller.

Great for the neutral, not so much for United fans.

Ruben Amorim continues to integrate youth into the side, but the key takeaway was a painful reminder to play to the whistle, especially evident in Brentford’s second goal.

Players waited for a referee call that never came. A harsh lesson for a young squad, but one that must be learned.

Thank god for Europa League and with a commanding three goal lead going into the second leg, the final is on the horizon.

All in all, another fantastic week of football. The title race may be over, but the battle for Champions League qualification is heating up.

Nottingham Forest remain in the mix, and with Newcastle drawing against Brighton, just one point separates the three teams. It’s all to play for.

Let the games begin and may the best team qualify.