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      How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final despite Arteta’s brilliant Kvaratskhelia plan

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      ARSENAL crashed out the Champions League to PSG despite Mikel Arteta’s bold tactical plan nearly paying off.The boss claimed the Gunners were the “better team” and the difference came in both boxes.Mikel Arteta’s bold plan so nearly workedCredit: GettyBut missed chances and Mikel Merino’s lack of goalscoring instinct proved costlyCredit: ReutersPSG have goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and some other excellent movements from goalscorers Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi to thank.Meanwhile, Arsenal fans will be left scratching their heads again as to why the club refused to buy a striker.1. Striker LightEnough is enough – Arsenal need to spend big on a top quality No9 this summer.Last night, there was more than one occasion when Arsenal won it back high up the pitch and flooded towards the area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Mikel Merino inexplicably, even though he is not a striker, runs off to the left instead of going into the number nine position and when the cross comes in, there’s nobody there.Arsenal’s lack of a striker was clear to seeThey got into good areas but nobody was thereOther situations saw Declan Rice, who was covering so much ground, break into that area but make the wrong movements to lose the PSG defenders.Eventually, the Parisians began to welcome crosses and they made a whopping 43 clearances in the match – easy for centre-backs Marquinhos and Willian Pacho.A striker must be Arsenal’s one and only priority in the transfer window – if they had a centre-forward they could well be in the final.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS2. Brave ArtIt was relentless in the opening stages from Arsenal and they deserved a goal – front-foot, pressing high and aggression in the tackle.To help get Bukayo Saka running at PSG left-back Nuno Mendes, Jurrien Timber was playing like a right-sided No10.Mikel Arteta’s claim that PSG bench told him Arsenal were the better team over two legsWhen Arsenal had the ball deeper, William Saliba would shuffle across and Martin Odegaard would drop to receive it. It allowed Timber to go forward and then move wide to interchange with Saka.It presented PSG with a headache – does a midfielder follow the Dutchman and mean they lose their shape? Or do they allow him to go unmarked and double up on Mendes with Saka?The tactic forced danger man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to do loads of defensive work.Timber deserves plenty of credit for playing the role so well and at times he was getting the ball between makeshift No9 Merino and Saka to overload the right.The bravery was nearly rewarded with an early goal – fair play to Arteta.Timber drifted forward and combined with SakaIt made Kvaratskhelia go the other way3. Incredible Donnarumma The Italian stopper won the tie for PSG. The save from Odegaard is as good as you’ll ever see a goalkeeper make. They should be playing it on loop at the their training ground because it was absolutely sensational. He doesn’t see the ball until it’s gone through two defenders and Odegaard can’t hit it any better. It’s going into the corner and it bounces just before it gets to him.He moves his feet, taking little steps on his line, like a tennis “split step” so he is ready to dive either way.Donnrumma’s save percentage is not that high compared to other keepers in the Champions League this season, but PSG’s dominance means few shots come at him and it shows how good he is to constantly stay alert.4. Ab FabRuiz goes under the radar but as an integral part of this PSG side and the Spain team that won the Euros last year, he should be spoken about among the best in the world.His overall play is unbelievable. But his movement for the goal is incredibly clever.PSG have a free-kick to be crossed from out wide and he lines up next to the Arsenal defence.Ruiz anticipated the ball dropping brilliantlyBut the Gunners are not deep enough and the delivery comes in too far from David Raya to claim and the defence have to flick a ball clear after charging back to their own goal to deal with it.Ruiz is smart enough to stay put on the edge of the box and anticipate a loose ball. His genius bit of movement away from the backline, which are going in the opposite direction, creates the space for him and the goal.His first touch and finish was spectacular5. Hak AttackHakimi was absolutely everywhere and he plays on the right by himself at times.This enables the right-winger ahead of him to drift inside and create overloads elsewhere on the pitch.Hakimi has all the attributes, but his game intelligence to move into areas that team-mates have vacated is extraordinary. Read More on The SunPSG progress the ball up the pitch by creating diamonds and the right-back is always a pass ahead.He bursts into inside areas when Desire Doue is wide or he overlaps and becomes the wide option if the winger is elsewhere.PSG use diamonds to progress the ballHakimi’s energy and intelligence to know when to move inside was exceptional More

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      Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg): Spurs keep Postecoglou trophy hopes alive with convincing win to set up Man Utd final

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      TOTTENHAM proved they are no Arctic flunkies to put Ange Postecoglou 90 minutes from delivering on his second-season trophy boast.After a dark and dismal league campaign where they have been dreadfully off-key, Spurs snapped out of it in a place where the sun hardly ever goes down at this time of year.Tottenham ran out 5-1 aggregate winners over Bodo/Glimt in their Europa League semi-final tieCredit: REUTERSDominic Solanke broke the deadlock in the second leg to fire Spurs into a 4-1 aggregate leadCredit: REUTERSPedro Porro doubled Spurs’ advantage on the nightCredit: REUTERSThey successfully avoided slipping up on Bodo/Glimt’s plastic pitch that has caused numerous European big names to suffer stage fright this season.A masterclass in time-wasting and the most un-AngeBall display ever eased the tension, before Dominic Solanke struck just after the hour.If that had not killed off Glimt’s glimmer of hope, Pedro Porro’s fluke cross-shot dropping in at the far post shortly afterwards surely did.Now, Spurs are through to their first major European final since finishing Champions League runners-up to Liverpool in Madrid in 2019.READ MORE ON SPURSJust like that showpiece six years ago, it will be back to Spain to face English opposition again, only this time Manchester United in Bilbao.Given they have already beaten the Red Devils THREE times this term, it gives Postecoglou a terrific chance to make good on his bold September claim that he “always wins things in his second season”.That possible feat may still not be enough to save his job, after a woeful Prem campaign where NINETEEN league defeats have plummeted Spurs to 16th.But it would qualify the club for the Champions League, end its barren silverware run of 17 years and hand Postecoglou his crowd-pleasing moment that will be remembered forever.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSpurs’ Europa League run has offered fans some respite from their woeful league formCredit: GETTYAnd after the season he has had, there would be a certain romance in that.Coldplay’s Yellow was one of the hosts’ tunes of choice in the build-up for obvious reasons, given their kit colour.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt The stadium energy, which Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen said his side would feed off, grew as kick-off approached, to the sound of the Beastie Boys’ ‘Sabotage’ and ‘Thunderstruck’ by AC/DC.The bouncing army of blond-clad fans, packed into this tiny ground with League Two vibes, belted out songs of praise for their team as hoses drenched the synthetic surface.It was a tactic designed to get the ball zipping along quicker than on grass which had caught out the likes of Porto, Olympiakos and Lazio already this term.Postecoglou himself had had his own grim experience up north in Norway when losing to Bodo in the Europa Conference League with Celtic three years ago.But here, because of late driving rain, the extra water seemed to have the opposite effect and slow the ball down.Had his Spurs team frozen this time, Postecoglou would have returned to England well and truly out in the cold with regards his job prospects.But his team looked switched on from the off, taking a similarly low-risk approach to how they handled the away leg in Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.For that game, they needed to win away from home soil, but here they knew they could even lose by a goal and they would still get through.That was thanks to a convincing 3-1 lead last week from the home leg where the only downsides were Bodo’s late lifeline strike and a season-ending injury to James Maddison.Postecoglou’s men looked to slow the game down at every opportunity, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario constantly reinforcing the tactic and eventually being booked for it.It limited the hosts to a few opportunities, and in truth, Spurs looked comfortable.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is on course to maintain his record of winning a trophy within his first two seasons at a clubCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKBarring Ole Blomberg firing into the side-netting and a Kasper Hogh header over, the hosts rarely looked like scoring in the first half.Porro came within a whisker of a crucial opener from a central free-kick just outside the D, but was denied by Nikita Halkin’s acrobatic save.Knutsen’s side had to step it up after the break and went close with a few dangerous crosses – but it was nowhere near enough.And when Solanke finished off Cristian Romero’s knock-down from sub Mathys Tel’s corner, it looked game over.It certainly was when Porro’s cross somehow went in off the post six minutes later.For all of Postecoglou’s poor results this season, his record against Manchester United reads: Played five, won four, drawn one.Self-doubting Spurs fans have already noted that fact and claimed it would be very Tottenham to then come unstuck against Ruben Amorim’s side in Bilbao.It certainly would do nothing to shake off their unwanted Spursy tag.But the fact is, taking on the worst United side in living memory offers an unbelievable chance to seal European glory for the first time since they clinched this competition in 1984.Read More on The SunWho would have thought that after everything they have been through this term, they could still end it singing, “We are the Champions.”Postecoglou, to be fair. He did call it. More

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      Arsenal condemn racism in statement after fan filmed making sickening slurs towards PSG supporters in vile video

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      ARSENAL have strongly condemned a vile video showing one of their fans shouting racial slurs at a PSG supporter.The incident took place last night as the Gunners were beaten 2-1 in the Champions League semi-final second leg.An Arsenal fan was videoed shouting racial slurs at a PSG fanCredit: https://x.com/IliesDjtThe Gunners have released a statement on the matterCredit: https://x.com/IliesDjtA video seemingly filmed during the game shows an Arsenal fan racially abusing his French counterpart.In the shocking clip that has gone viral on social media, a man hurls sickening abuse at the home end and angrily points at them.The supporter goes on an X-rated rant, unleashing a volley of racist and homophobic abuse.Towards the end of his foul-mouthed rant, the man then points to his chest and clenches his fist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal are aware of the incident and have released a statement on the matter.It read: “We strongly condemn all forms of racist and homophobic discrimination. “We are working to identify the individual in the video and we will take the strongest possible action.”Arsenal released a similar statement after the first leg due to a video emerging of supporters aiming monkey noises and gestures at PSG players.Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      ‘Damn she’s savage’ – Awkward moment reporter raises eyebrow at Arteta claim as new interview emerges after PSG loss

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      MIKEL ARTETA raised one reporter’s eyebrows with a bold claim he made in a live TV interview after Arsenal’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.The Spaniard was adamant his side were the better team over the two legs, despite losing both games in a 3-1 aggregate defeat.Mikel Arteta left reporter Anita Jones unconvinced after a bold claimJones pressed Arteta for answers and appeared to doubt his responsesCredit: GettyFans loved her no-nonsense approachCredit: GettyJones is a reporter for CBS SportsCredit: GettyHe also suggested PSG had their goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to thank for the win, saying he was the man of the match in both legs.But CBS Sports reporter Anita Jones quickly corrected the Arsenal boss live on air, pointing out that Achraf Hakimi had in fact got the award after netting the winner in Paris.The interview continued awkwardly as the reporter began to press Arteta further.The Gunners chief repeated the claims he made in his post-match press conference that coaches on the opposition bench had admitted Arsenal were the better team, which PSG boss Luis Enrique later denied.READ MORE IN ARSENALAnd Jones was quick to quiz Arteta on who it was he had spoken to.She asked: “Who did you speak to sorry?”A surprised Arteta dodged the question, instead explaining why his team lost, suggesting they did not have enough quality in the attacking box.Jones again asked: “Who was it that you spoke to?”Most read in Champions League”A few people of them,” replied Arteta.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesJones then said wryly: “Oh and they shared that opinion.”Fans love the exchange and the no-nonsense approach from the reporter.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-finalOn reacted saying: “Damn, she’s savage.”Another added: “That woman has more balls interviewing him than any other interviewer, fair play to her for sticking it to him.”And a third wrote: “This is comedy gold. The way she pushes him and you just can see how he is straight up lying.”Arteta also made the claim Arsenal have been the best team in this year’s Champions League.He said: “I don’t think there has been a better team in the competition so far.Read More on The Sun”But we are out tonight and we deserve much more in both games.”But this competition is about the boxes, the strikers and a goalkeeper, who was their best player in both games.” More

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      Arsenal set to splash £150m in summer transfer overhaul with Isak and Ekitike targeted and SEVEN stars facing exit

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      ARSENAL are set for a huge squad overhaul this summer with a £150MILLION splurge – as SEVEN stars are set to be shown the exit.The Gunners have endured yet another trophyless season after their Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain and the club recognise the need for several world class players.Arsenal’s Champions League exit to PSG leaves them with nothing to show for their seasonCredit: ShutterstockArsenal need a new No9 and Alexander Isak is a top targetCredit: GettyHugo Ekitike is also expected to land a big-money move this summerCredit: GettyThe club are now preparing for a ruthlessly busy transfer window that could change their fortunes for next season.Arsenal are comfortable spending big on major talent, forking out just over £200m in the summer of 2023 for Declan Rice [£105m], Kai Havertz [£65m] and Jurrien Timber [£35m] – but what about this summer?Transfer targets New sporting director Andrea Berta’s main focus is on finding an elite No9 to take the North Londoners to the next level.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, 25, is top of Arteta’s wishlist, unsurprising given their faltering firepower is one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Swede has 23 league goals this season and will not be let go easily, as the Carabao Cup winners hold out for £150million.SunSport revealed that Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, 22, is being targeted as a cheaper, £60m, alternative.Other targets include long-desired RB Leipzig’s Sesko, 21, and Sporting’s Gyokeres, 26, with over 50 goals between them.Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is another attacking target but as with the previous names, could prove financially difficult due to his large wages.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNico Williams is another Arsenal attacking targetCredit: RexArsenal have already struck a deal to sign Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyFinal midfield strengthening will depend on how talks develop with Thomas Partey but there is already an agreement to splash out £51m on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, 26, with that deal expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks. Finally, well-admired Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is being explored as an option with Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens and Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia linked to the club as well. ‘Upset’ Mikel Arteta claims there ‘hasn’t been a better team’ than Arsenal in the Champions League in blunt interviewOutgoingsIn order to make space for the Gunners’ hopeful incomings, some fringe players may face the chop. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Jesus are among those potentially being shown the door but the Brazilian forward’s knee injury has delayed the discussion of offers.Defender Nuno Tavares, midfielders Fabio Viera and Albert Lokonga could also leave alongside Sterling who will return to Stamford Bridge at the end of his loan.Gabriel Jesus is set to leave this summer with Thomas Partey’s future uncertainCredit: GettyOleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney are both expected to be offloadedCredit: GettyNew contracts Good news for Arsenal fans, the club are attempting to secure a new contract with beloved star Bukayo Saka.Reports have said that talks are positive, with a shiny new deal looming that could make the 23-year-old one of the best-paid players in the league.There are also plans to hand out new contracts to stars like William Saliba and Gabriel – with their current deals expiring in the summer of 2027.Fellow Hale End graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, both 18, will also likely be offered improved contracts.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Barcelona legend Xavi’s wife complaining to him about Man Utd as he reveals what he’s been doing while unemployed

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      XAVI has been getting it in the neck from his wife for the amount of football he’s been watching during his unemployment.The legendary Spanish midfielder has been spending more time with his other half since his reign as Barcelona manager came to an end last May.Xavi Hernandez was brutally sacked by Barcelona last MayCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard has been using his unemployment to spend more time with his wife, Nuria CunilleraCredit: GETTYCunillera has been frustrated by the amount of football Xavi has been watchingCredit: EPAHis Nou Camp axing, however, hasn’t dampened his passion for the game, which he still watches daily.But wife, Nuria Cunillera, is getting annoyed with the number of games he’s watching and vented her frustrations during United’s epic Europa League quarter-final second-leg comeback against Lyon last month.The 45-year-old said of his unemployment in an interview with The Athletic: “I still love football, it’s my passion. I’m watching it 24 HOURS [a day].”My wife complains to me: ‘Again!’ she says. ‘Yes but it’s the Europa League,’ I reply. Did you see the game between Man United and Lyon?READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It was 4-2 to Lyon. I was thinking, ‘Oh no. Very difficult now for Amorim!’ And then, 10 minutes later, it was incredible.”“The maximum number of games I’ve watched in one day was EIGHT. I like to analyse teams.”I might put into my computer ‘Atalanta’ and then watch them four games in a row. Why?”Because I might be interested to see what [Gian Piero] Gasperini is doing.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSXavi’s wife was annoyed when her husband watched Manchester United’s epic comeback against Lyon last monthCredit: GETTY”Man to man, 90-minute duels for every player, that’s why they sign strong, physical players. Or (Roberto) De Zerbi at Marseille.”Or Nuno Espirito Santo at Forest. I love to see the different styles of football and what coaches are doing.”Xavi to leave BarcelonaXavi was replaced at the Nou Camp helm by Hansi Flick, who this season guided the Catalan club to the Champions League semi-finals.And despite the brutal nature of his axing, his family still very much loves the club.He said: “My children love the team; my son adores Lamine Yamal and Pedri.”While my daughter follows Raphinha and [Robert] Lewandowski, we live the atmosphere of Barcelona in all its details.”We watch the first team and the women’s team matches; people think I am sad after my departure.”But I am proud of what Flick is doing and happy with the team’s level.” More

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      Arsenal Wags show their class with message to PSG as they share pictures from trip to Paris

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      ARSENAL’S dreams of finally winning their first ever European title ended in tears after getting knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.But three of the Gunners stars’ partners had the time of their lives in Paris where they got to enjoy the City of Light before Wednesday’s crunch semi-final second leg at Parc des Princes.Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson, Jurrien Timber’s better half Rose de Back and Leandro Trossard’s wife Laura Trossard Hilven went to ParisLaura shared pictures of their holiday in FranceLaura and Tolami followed Arsenal for the Champions League semi-finalLaura watched Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des PrincesBukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson, Leandro Trossard’s wife Laura Trossard Hilven and Jurrien Timber’s better half Rose de Back shared pics of their holiday on social media.The ladies got to walk around the French capital and even found time for a spa break before going to PSG’s ground.And despite witnessing their men’s dreams of a Champions league trophy going up in flames following a 2-1 loss, the trio showed class and thanked Paris for a lovely hospitality.Laura posted on Instagram: “Bisous Paris, merci. Félicitations et au revoir. [Kisses Paris, thank you. Congratulations and see you].”Read More on ArsenalArsenal fans loved the positivity as they stormed the comments’ section.One supporter posted: “Beauty.”Another commented: “Such nice pictures.”A third wrote: “Amazing.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “Awesome.”And that one gushed: “Incredible.”Man City vs Arsenal WagsArsenal are now focused on sealing second place in the Premier League.Tolami, Laura and Rose had a classy message for PSG despite the eliminationThe trio thanked Paris for the hospitalityThey even found time for a spa break More

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      The nightmare scenario that would see Arsenal MISS OUT on top-five finish as horror Premier League run is laid bare

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      ARSENAL are out of the Champions League and no longer able to win a trophy from a season that promised so much.But that doesn’t mean Mikel Arteta’s side have nothing to play for.Arsenal went out of the Champions League after a 3-1 aggregate defeat to PSGCredit: PABut now the manager must rally the troops to make sure they are playing in next year’s competitionCredit: GettyA shock 2-1 loss to Bournemouth means Arsenal have now won just three of their last ten Premier League gamesCredit: GettyArsenal still have work to do to make sure of qualifying for the Champions League next seasonWith Man City finding some form in third place and now just three points behind the Gunners, the prospect of Pep Guardiola maintaining his record of finishing above the Gunners in every season he’s managed in England looms large.Although they have had some memorable nights in Europe, Arteta’s men could hardly be more out of form in the Premier League.They have won just three of their last ten matches, allowing Liverpool to stroll to the title.However, there is a greater danger lurking than just wounded pride if an underwhelming end to the season sees Arsenal unable to manage a second placed finish.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThat is because there is still the possibility of missing out on Champions League football altogether.This season, it should be easier than any other to secure a place in Europe’s elite club competition.That’s because the top five will qualify for the Champions League as a result of the Premier League being one of the two strongest in European competition this season.But Arsenal still have work to do with City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all capable of overtaking them.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKArsenal’s next game is a trip to newly-crowned champions Liverpool, where they’ll hope to break an Anfield duck that has lasted 13 years.Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla were the scorers when Arsenal last won at Liverpool back in September 2012. ‘I don’t like your vibe’ – Ian Wright calls out Paul Scholes in heated row over ArsenalA nightmare scenario could see Arsenal finish outside the Champions League placesThey then have the all-important home game with fourth-placed Newcastle, who are on 63 points.Should they win that match, they would reach 70 points and automatically qualify for the Champions League.Aston Villa, in seventh, are currently on 60 points and would be unable to catch Arsenal in that scenario.Sixth placed Nottingham Forest, on 61 points, and fifth placed Chelsea, on 63 points, still have to play each other, meaning only one of the two teams can reach 70 points.Arsenal face a trip to champions Liverpool, a six-pointer at home to Newcastle and a final day at basement club SouthamptonFortunately for Arsenal, they then face a final-day trip to a Southampton side who will go down as the joint-worst in Premier League history if they are unable to pick up another point in their final three matches.If Arsenal can pick up two points from their games against Liverpool, Newcastle and Southampton, that should be enough for Champions League qualification.That’s because their goal difference is 12 goals better than Newcastle and Chelsea, 21 better than Nottingham Forest and 27 better than Aston Villa.But if they pick up a point or less, that will open the door to all their rivals.Read More on The SunAston Villa will need to win their three games against Bournemouth, Tottenham and Man Utd to have any chance of finishing above Arsenal.While a point for the Gunners will mean Nottingham Forest would also need to win their remaining three games to finish above them. More