Mikel Arteta has to pick up his Arsenal players after their defeat against PSG in the semi-final of the Champions League because a place in next year's competition is still not secured
The Arsenal season will end without a trophy, but after the disappointment of their semi -final defeat of the Champions League against Paris Saint Germain, Mikel Arteta must now find a way to choose his team and secure the remaining two points needed to secure their place in Europe's top competition next season.
Although the Gunners have long been assured of a third consecutive second place, they could still finish as low as the results would go against them in the next two weeks.
Currently on 67 points, and with liverpool champions to come on Sunday, followed by fellow top-five hopeful Newcastle, there is still a chance that things can be very, very nervy in North London between now and 25 May.
If Arsenal can get two points from their matches against Liverpool, Newcastle and Southampton, that will almost certainly be sufficient for the qualification of the Champions League because their target difference is currently 12 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, it will open the door for all their rivals and with the bottom of the table saints not until the last day that increases the chances of nerves that shoots up.
Aston Villa has to win their three games against Bournemouth, Tottenham and Manchester United to get a chance at the Gunners, and a point for Arsenal means that Forest should also win their remaining three games to finish above them.
Nottingham Forest, who are on 61 points, and fifth placed Chelsea, play each other on the last day on 63 points, which means that only one of them can reach 70 points.
First for Arsenal after the heartache of Paris, Liverpool and Arteta will be admitted last week that it did him “in the belly” to see how Arne Slot's side “deserved” champions for him.
“It was in my stomach, yes,” he said. “I understand that it is a team that is more consistent and it has many of the ingredients you need to win, but it is very painful, yes.
“My motivations are much more focused in aspects other than those, but it hurts to view it, that's for sure. They have done it in a way that has not given the others a chance.
“You have to congratulate that and you have to accept that there are reasons why you were unable to achieve and try to improve it.”