Can Arsenal Still Finish Second?

Arsenal's hopes of registering their highest league finish since 2004/05 were dealt a blow last night as Swansea player Bafetimbi Gomis' header eked over the line to help the Swans to their first league double over the Gunners since 1983.

Before the match Arsenal held their own destiny in their hands with two games in hand over second placed City who boast a massively superior goal difference thanks to their crushing of relegated QPR at the weekend. Arsenal still control their Champions League fate and four points from their remaining three games will ensure they do not have to face a tricky qualifier early next season.

It can be argued the regular need to qualify for Europe's biggest club competition has been a huge hindrance to Arsenal over the past few years and especially held them back this season as they found themselves ravaged by injury with an already flagging squad due to the sheer number of top quality internationals they boast returning from the World Cup.

The odds on Arsenal finishing 2nd lengthened after their unbeaten run was ended but with a May Ladbrokes promo code you might still make a decent profit on backing Arsenal to pip Manchester City.

It all rests on what happens this weekend. Arsenal face Manchester United looking for their first Old Trafford league win in almost 9 years. If they take it they have all but secured automatic qualification for next season's Champions League campaign and can set their sights on the FA Cup final.

Playing with freedom from expectation in their last two games could help them relax and rack up the goals. Arsenal will play Sunderland and West Brom in their final two home games of the season whilst Manchester City face Arsenal's most recent vanquishers, Swansea, and European chasing Southampton.

Both Swansea and Southampton have European ambitions and they have the ability to make it difficult for Manchester City and therein lies Arsenal's opportunity to grab control of the chase for second again. Anything less than a win for Manchester City and Arsenal will be in pole position.

Even if Manchester City win the race could go down to the last day of the season, which would be quite an interesting finale.

To even be in with a shout Arsenal simply must beat Manchester United at Old Trafford this Sunday. Finishing 2nd is largely the same as finishing 3rd once the league has already been won but the difference between 3rd and 4th can be astronomical.

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