Although conceding that Arsenal look more \u201cready\u201d than his side to finish among the top four this season, Antonio Conte is insistent that his side will only improve between now and the end of the campaign.<\/p>\n
The Gunners are currently in the lead to secure Champions League qualification for next season as they are occupying fourth position in the Premier League table as things stand. Mikel Arteta\u2019s men have also played one game less than both Manchester United and Tottenham and they currently sit three points above Spurs in the table.<\/p>\n
The current status quo means that Champions League qualification remains in Arsenal\u2019s hands as they push on to finish in the top four for the first time since 2016.<\/p>\n
Tottenham leapfrogged Manchester United with their 3-1 win over West Ham United at home on Sunday to lift them into fifth place in the table. Despite the win, Conte feels that the Gunners are in the driving seat for the top four as things stand but insisted he is pleased with the progress his side have made since he took charge.<\/p>\n
Speaking after Sunday\u2019s win, Conte said: \u201cThe only way to put pressure on Arsenal is to get three points to win.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are nine games to go and for us every game has to be a final and in this moment for sure they have a good advantage, also especially because they\u2019re working with the same coach for many years and they\u2019ve had many transfer markets with the same coach.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe they are in this moment more ready than us but I think in five months we did a fantastic job with these players and now I think that we reduced the gap with many teams in England.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne example, two months ago we played against Chelsea three times and we lost three games but it was right to lose these three games because Chelsea showed to be better than us in every aspect.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter two months now I would like to have another chance to see which is our level and I\u2019m sure now our level has improved a lot and now I\u2019m sure that Chelsea could fight much more to win the game against us than before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arsenal will be traveling to face Tottenham in a rearranged fixture before the end of the season, and the Gunners also face Chelsea FC and Manchester United in their remaining 10 games.<\/p>\n
The Gunners are back in action on 4 April when they travel to take on Crystal Palace in the top flight.<\/p>\n
Tottenham, meanwhile, will face Newcastle United at home on 3 April.<\/p>\n
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