I was so sure Chelsea would beat us at the Bridge today that I spent the first half at the beach. After a shower, I checked the score and saw that I was missing a 2-2 barnburner. So I turned it on and within twenty seconds Nketieh got his scrappy goal, which proved to be the winner. Chelsea had 35 minutes or so to equalize yet again but could not, then came a late questionable penalty on Saka that he finished emphatically for the final score, CHE 2 - 4 ARS.
Since none of the teams from 3rd through 8th seems capable of sustained adequacy, the European qualification slots are all up for grabs. Chelsea is in commanding position for 3rd, but is a team in trouble now and could conceivably blow it. But for that to happen, two of the teams below them would have to win five of their last six, which will be nigh impossible given that they play each other. I still think Tottenham will grab 4th, but I have high hopes for a Europa League slot for the Gunners. They could also stroll into the Champions' League if the Spuds collapse and we play well the rest of the way. Getting seven points from the West Ham, Man U, and Tottenham games would be fantastic. Five might be enough for UCL. Four means a good shot at Europa League. Wolves are odds-on to be the 8th place team that misses out, and West Ham is my pick to be in Europa Conference League, if they don't win Europa League this year and qualify for UCL. That would mean that Arsenal and Man United would be in the Europa League, and pre-tournament favorites to go a long way in it.
Don't forget the razor-thin margin at the very top, with City a point ahead of Liverpool but a worse goal difference, and the struggle to avoid relegation, which is nowhere near resolution.
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