Topic: 4th place is lava, who'll get it?

[newterp]

Arsenal look heavy favourites, potentially five points clear of United if they win their games in hand (if, if, if - and in fairness one of the games they'll have in hand is against us). Pretty much going to be a two-horse race unless Spurs can arrest their slide - maybe if they could play City more?

538 has Arsenal at 61% for fourth, United at 24% and Spurs at 12%. FWIW, they also think Arsenal have a 13% chance of overtaking Chelsea and finishing third.

As someone else mentioned, Arsenal only having the league to focus on should help, although I think it's likely that United only have one more CL game to contend with anyway and they're already out of the FA Cup.

they would only be 9 points behind us too!!

[the_red_pill]

they would only be 9 points behind us too!!

Amazing if you think about it- IF they win their games in hand- except the one against us.
They aren't having such a disaster of a season as has been made out. Granted- there is the small matter of them being out of all the cups, but in terms of league performance, they've done well. Building valuable league experience into the young lads and the squad, which they can build on.
They've certainly been better than United- and they actually play football.

[farawayred]

It's funny but quite possible too Arsenal getting 3rd and Chelsea getting 4th.

I could be wrong, but I’m not kidding. I think that Chelsea would lose it at some point while Arsenal are on the up.

[The North Bank]

It’s amazing that we are even in the conversation for 4th never mind 3rd. It’s a good thing we never sacked Arteta, when pretty much every pundit and self proclaimed expert and statistician were scratching their heads at the aberration that his management is. It’s all coming together now in terms of culture, discipline and application. Just need some star quality in a couple of positions in the summer, and to beef up the squad we are so short on numbers and will have a lot more games to play next season.

[DelTrotter]

  This boasting is mad, how low the standards have fallen there nowadays. The discipline does look incredible though, 2 games without a red card is impressive!

[Lycan]

I still think Utd will get top 4. Arsenal will bottle it, in my opinion. Although, I prefer they didn't.

[Fromola]

Amazing if you think about it- IF they win their games in hand- except the one against us.
They aren't having such a disaster of a season as has been made out. Granted- there is the small matter of them being out of all the cups, but in terms of league performance, they've done well. Building valuable league experience into the young lads and the squad, which they can build on.
They've certainly been better than United- and they actually play football.

For the wage bill they have and the money Arteta has spent, if you have a season out of Europe and are out of all the cups by January then a push for top 4 is the absolute minimum that can be accepted.

The fact Leicester have collapsed (from last 2 seasons standards) and Spurs and United have been terrible enough to sack their managers - while their replacements have not been convincing - has also given them an open goal to get 4th.

[Skeeve]

Completely. Games in hand are overrated when all of those fighting for 4th spot have been so inconsistent, and the way things are going with Arsenal I’d be as impressed if they managed to finish both games with 11 players on the pitch as I would be if they won them both.

While they are somewhat overrated, that's when they are being equated to an extra 3 points on a team's total, but united are currently only a point ahead of arsenal having played two games more, so it isn't really the same situation.

[The North Bank]

I still think Utd will get top 4. Arsenal will bottle it, in my opinion. Although, I prefer they didn't.

Same, Its between United and Spurs

[Terry de Niro]

Arsenal's to lose now.
If they don't get at least 4th, then they should have a good look at themselves.

[elsewhere]

no way Utd is getting 4th, watch them getting 6th behind Tottenham.

[Hedley Lamarr]

It’s amazing that we are even in the conversation for 4th never mind 3rd. It’s a good thing we never sacked Arteta, when pretty much every pundit and self proclaimed expert and statistician were scratching their heads at the aberration that his management is. It’s all coming together now in terms of culture, discipline and application. Just need some star quality in a couple of positions in the summer, and to beef up the squad we are so short on numbers and will have a lot more games to play next season.

You’ll finish fifth, you really do get giddy when you support a club that are known for shitting the bed.  Culture ? You have none. Discipline ? You have none.  Carry on though I guess.

[The North Bank]

You’ll finish fifth, you really do get giddy when you support a club that are known for shitting the bed.  Culture ? You have none. Discipline ? You have none.  Carry on though I guess.

Thats very harsh, 5th is still progress, I predicted 6th. You probably predicted a relegation battle. We were both wrong, but im nowhere near as upset as you.

[Hedley Lamarr]

Thats very harsh, 5th is still progress, I predicted 6th. You probably predicted a relegation battle. We were both wrong, but im nowhere near as upset as you.

I thought you’d finish top eight but make no real progress, you’ve been better than I thought but you have no culture and definitely no discipline, absurd to think you do.

I don’t mind Arsenal, rather them top four than United or Spurs, but we’ve been here before.  You’ll fuck up at the end and demand Arteta gets backing because he’s a genius or some such nonsense.  You’d actually be better off if Wenger was still in charge, but you all chased him out..

If you get fourth it says a lot about the league.

[The North Bank]

I thought you’d finish top eight but make no real progress, you’ve been better than I thought but you have no culture and definitely no discipline, absurd to think you do.

I don’t mind Arsenal, rather them top four than United or Spurs, but we’ve been here before.  You’ll fuck up at the end and demand Arteta gets backing because he’s a genius or some such nonsense.  You’d actually be better off if Wenger was still in charge, but you all chased him out..

If you get fourth it says a lot about the league.

When I say this is the weakest premier league ever I get slaughtered.

Who do you think will get 4th, do you agree its between Man utd and Spurs?

[Hedley Lamarr]

When I say this is the weakest premier league ever I get slaughtered.

Who do you think will get 4th, do you agree its between Man utd and Spurs?

I think United will get it, just because they normally find a way and I think they’re mentally stronger than Arsenal.  Hope they don’t, but think you’ll implode and they’ll do enough.

The league is poor, but the top two are the two strongest clubs in Europe.

[The North Bank]

I think United will get it, just because they normally find a way and I think they’re mentally stronger than Arsenal.  Hope they don’t, but think you’ll implode and they’ll do enough.

The league is poor, but the top two are the two strongest clubs in Europe.

I make you right .

[ScottishGoon]

So, Utd end their 'easier' fixture run from December to February just a point clear of us having played 3 games more. Dropping points to Southampton, Burnley, Watford, Newcastle, Wolves & Villa.

They now have to play City, Spurs & Liverpool in their next 3. I'm hoping to be a handful of points ahead of them by that stage still with a couple of games in hand.

[The North Bank]

So, Utd end their 'easier' fixture run from December to February just a point clear of us having played 3 games more. Dropping points to Southampton, Burnley, Watford, Newcastle, Wolves & Villa.

They now have to play City, Spurs & Liverpool in their next 3. I'm hoping to be a handful of points ahead of them by that stage still with a couple of games in hand.

United are no longer  our main challengers , I want them to beat Spurs in a couple of weeks

[Son of Spion]

As long as Arsenal don't Spurs it, they should get fourth place.

[S]

I think United will get it, just because they normally find a way and I think they’re mentally stronger than Arsenal.  Hope they don’t, but think you’ll implode and they’ll do enough.

The league is poor, but the top two are the two strongest clubs in Europe.

Same here. Mentality-wise, if there’s one team I wouldn’t back in terms of making use of the games in hand, it’s Arsenal. Hoping they prove me wrong though. Don’t want United qualifying again simply because the rest gift it to them.

[the_red_pill]

Yeah, it still looks like Arsenal's to lose.
I don't think anyone can out-Spurs, Sir Percy's boys, BUT it's between L'Arse and Spurs.

Their discipline and self-control is their main weakness though.
For United.. it's not that they don't want 4th- I just think they cannot do it.

[MonsLibpool]

Same here. Mentality-wise, if there’s one team I wouldn’t back in terms of making use of the games in hand, it’s Arsenal. Hoping they prove me wrong though. Don’t want United qualifying again simply because the rest gift it to them.

Ignore the games in hand for a moment and assume that they've played the same number of games. Who do you think will get more points in the run-in based on their performances so far?

For me, Arsenal.

[ScottishGoon]

Same here. Mentality-wise, if there’s one team I wouldn’t back in terms of making use of the games in hand, it’s Arsenal. Hoping they prove me wrong though. Don’t want United qualifying again simply because the rest gift it to them.

As per my previous post, considering they've dropped points vs Watford, Southampton, Wolves, Newcastle, Burnley etc recently, they will need a big upturn in form to get full points from games coming up vs City, Spurs, Liverpool, Leicester, Everton & Arsenal.

My ever growing belief isn't just that we are managing to beat the teams outside the top 6 in general, it's that I just can't see Utd suddenly snapping into any sort of consistent form now.

[the_red_pill]

Ignore the games in hand for a moment and assume that they've played the same number of games. Who do you think will get more points in the run-in based on their performances so far?

For me, Arsenal.

Yep. Like I said- United just isn't a 4th-placed team- they haven't performed like one- even through their most favorable run of fixtures- and they've got one hellish fixture list to look forward to. I just can't see any way back for them- even with the refs' help, whereas Chelsea and Arsenal look the part.
I just can't see them making up those lost points in their upcoming fixture list.
If they couldn't do it then, how will they do it in this upcoming run?

I mean they can't even score... at home... against Watford!?

JUST DON'T DROP MAGUIRE!

[the_red_pill]

As per my previous post, considering they've dropped points vs Watford, Southampton, Wolves, Newcastle, Burnley etc recently, they will need a big upturn in form to get full points from games coming up vs City, Spurs, Liverpool, Leicester, Everton & Arsenal.

My ever growing belief isn't just that we are managing to beat the teams outside the top 6 in general, it's that I just can't see Utd suddenly snapping into any sort of consistent form now.

At least 3 pts from that run for them.

[RayPhilAlan]

Interesting that all of the clubs competing for 4th are out of the FA Cup - Man Utd, Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham and Wolves. Only the Mancs and Hammers are still in Europe, so they've all had a pretty good go at clearing their schedules for the 4th place race!

[The North Bank]

Between Spurs and Man utd this . We just haven’t got the character , mentality or discipline for it. Nor the quality or manager to be fair.
I know we got games in hand, but give me points on the board at this stage.

Bite hand off for 6th.

[deano2727]

Between Spurs and Man utd this . We just haven’t got the character , mentality or discipline for it. Nor the quality or manager to be fair.
I know we got games in hand, but give me points on the board at this stage.

Bite hand off for 6th.

Even though it would be criminal not to get 4th, I still don't have faith in your lot to do the job.

Hope I'm wrong. I'd rather see Arsenal finish 4th than any of the realistic alternatives.

[The North Bank]

Even though it would be criminal not to get 4th, I still don't have faith in your lot to do the job.

Hope I'm wrong. I'd rather see Arsenal finish 4th than any of the realistic alternatives.

Im with you, United or Spurs sadly.

[farawayred]

Im with you, United or Spurs sadly.

Reverse mockers...

I want you to pile points until we meet so you'd have more than enough to clinch 4th after we whoop you. But you are still to play United, aren't you? Do you have a game with Spurs too?

[The North Bank]

Reverse mockers...

I want you to pile points until we meet so you'd have more than enough to clinch 4th after we whoop you. But you are still to play United, aren't you? Do you have a game with Spurs too?

We do , The Godfather and the winner. We play both after we play you. Not looking good .

[Illmatic]

Would be a massive failure for Arsenal if they don't get it now. Arsenal literally just need to keep up their form against weaker sides in the league and they are home and dry. 

[El Lobo]

Monumental bottle job from here if Arsenal don’t finish at least 4th

[The North Bank]

Would be a massive failure for Arsenal if they don't get it now. Arsenal literally just need to keep up their form against weaker sides in the league and they are home and dry.

I wouldnt go that far, I mean it looks like we have a chance, but no one wants 4th this season. Weve only won 8 of our last 10 league games, a better record than Liverpool and City.

[elsewhere]

I wouldnt go that far, I mean it looks like we have a chance, but no one wants 4th this season. Weve only won 8 of our last 10 league games, a better record than Liverpool and City.

City also won 8 of last 10 and got 25 points from last 10. I hope you keep winning and kick Utd out of Top 4.

[MonsLibpool]

United

[farawayred]

City also won 8 of last 10 and got 25 points from last 10. I hope you keep winning and kick Utd out of Top 4.

Arsenal are a point ahead with three games in hand. They just have to avoid a collapse.

[The North Bank]

City also won 8 of last 10 and got 25 points from last 10. I hope you keep winning and kick Utd out of Top 4.

Better record on goal difference... I think only spurs can stop us now but they go to United next Saturday, if they lose that it’s nearly done.

[the_red_pill]

Told yas these will not get 4th. They are abysmal.
4th is still still Arsenal's. They're nailed on.

United's nightmare will just get worse from here on-out. They're crying for this season to be over, but it's long overdue- the wailing, weeping and gnashing of teeth!

I didn't even bother to watch or follow that derby today, cause I knew they'd get smashed to bits..
Unlike Everton, who will do us by not trying hard enough, these are just incapable of a result against half the league.

Just came back at home and saw the score. It proves this- They're just as bad as they were in November!

No amount of referee interference or flukes are gonna save them from 7th or 8th this season.