Arsenal received a boost ahead of Sunday’s north London derby with confirmation that they’ve qualified for next season’s Champions League.

(From L) Arsenal's Spanish goalkeeper #22 David Raya, Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder #08 Martin Odegaard, Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka, Arsenal's English defender #04 Ben White and Arsenal's English midfielder #41 Declan Rice celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out session of the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Arsenal and Porto FC at the Arsenal Stadium in north London, on March 12, 2024. Arsenal edged out Porto on penalties to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s David Raya, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Declan Rice celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out session of the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Arsenal and Porto FC at the Arsenal Stadium in north London, on March 12, 2024. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal are in the midst of a title race, with a game away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, but the Gunners still would have been pleased to learn that they qualified for the 2024/25 Champions League on Saturday.

With Aston Villa drawing against Chelsea, Unai Emery’s side are no longer capable of finishing above Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side can now finish no lower than fourth, guaranteeing them a Champions League spot.

The Arsenal u19s also qualify for the UEFA Youth League as a result, so they’ll have the chance to make amends after finishing bottom of the group this season.

arsenal v rc lens group g uefa youth league 2023 24 1
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND: Michal Rosiak of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Youth League match between Arsenal and RC Lens at Meadow Park on November 29, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

The Champions League race could still play a significant role in the title race, with a few games remaining.

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Spurs still have to play Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City before the season ends, and Villa still need to play Liverpool as well.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will undoubtedly be most fired up for the Arsenal clash, but given they’re currently seven points behind Villa (with three games in hand) they’ll probably need to get results in the other two games as well.

If Arsenal can get a win in the north London derby, their opponents will be even more desperate to beat the Gunners’ title rivals and stay in Champions League contention.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Destiny Udogie of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession with Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Destiny Udogie of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession with Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

For Arsenal, the full focus is now on the title race, with no remaining concerns about dropping out of the European places.

Arsenal’s current project is predicated on continuing to qualify for the Champions League, so this was an important milestone for Mikel Arteta’s side. But the team need to go for more now.

As a reminder, next season’s Champions League will have a new format, and you can learn more about that here.

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