Bukayo Saka believes there’s no greater motivation to finish in the Champions League places than doing it at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on May 01, 2022. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on May 01, 2022. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

With four games remaining, Arsenal have a great shot at finishing in the top four and securing Champions League qualification, but only if the last set of results go their way.

Spurs are currently just two points behind Arsenal, so any slip-up and the tables will quickly turn.

Qualifying for Europe’s premium competition is motivation enough in itself, but ahead of the final four games, Bukayo Saka was asked whether there’s anything better than taking that chance ahead of Spurs.

“No, I don’t think there can be anything better,” Saka said. “I don’t think there can be anything that motivates us more.

“We’re already motivated enough, but we obviously don’t want to lose it to them, so it gives us that extra boost. But we know that we have to win all the games, I think, if we want to have a chance now.”

The North London derby is set to be decisive, with the winner gaining a potentially huge advantage whilst a draw would see the status quo maintained.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal walks out for the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on May 01, 2022. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal walks out for the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on May 01, 2022. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

If Arsenal win against Spurs and Leeds whilst Spurs lose to Liverpool, that would be enough to secure top four.

If Spurs win against Liverpool and Arsenal, it will be out of Arsenal’s hands in the final two games, especially if they also drop points to Leeds.

So in just five days’ time, it’s very possible the top-four race could have decisively swung one way or another.