Manchester United legend Michael Owen has called Tottenham Hotspur a "better team than Arsenal" while praising their ability to prevail over bigger sides in the division.
The north London rivals were locked in a tight race for fourth spot in the Premier League table until the Gunners capitulated with back-to-back defeats and handed Spurs the initiative.
Antonio Conte's side now boast a two-point advantage over Arteta's men going into the final matchday on Sunday and will seal their spot in next season's Champions League with a win.
Arsenal aren't mathematically out yet but need the Lilywhites to slip-up against the already-relegated Norwich City at Carrow Road, while they need to win all three points against Everton.
Owen has given an interesting assessment of both their squads and suggested that Spurs are well ahead of their derby rivals in terms of quality. Speaking to the Premier League Daily, he said (via HITC):
“You look at the squads and Tottenham’s players, they have got far better players. A lot more individually talented players. I think they have a manager that has been there, seen it and done it.
“Tottenham still throw in the odd result. That’s why they are fourth because they’re not as consistent as Liverpool and Manchester City."
Tottenham failed to put a sustained assault on the title yet again but Owen praised their ability to beat the big guns, something the Gunners aren't capable of.
He added:
“Tottenham, on their day, have shown they can beat those types of teams. Give them real problems. Tottenham are a very good team on their day.
“Whereas Arsenal, I don’t see them as being able to go to the top teams and beat them. I think Arsenal are more consistent in that they stay at their level more. Beat the lesser teams.
“But Tottenham can lose to a Burnley one week, then beat Manchester City the next week – on the whole Tottenham are a better team than Arsenal.”
Arsenal have only themselves to blame for this mess
Arteta's side were cruising towards a dream Champions League return after a five-year hiatus but saw their hopes quashed after consecutive defeats to Spurs and Newcastle.
Even after the derby loss, the Gunners had a game in hand and could have gone a point ahead of Spurs, but they capitulated spectacularly under pressure at St. James' Park.
Barring a miracle on the last day, they are set to miss the Champions League bus once again and have only themselves to blame for it.
nutmegprince
0
how sure u are
If it happens that’s be miracle of the century, I’d probably shave my head bald
tuoeklot
0
Fok you bro show us 1 cup fr your spursy
The weather is looking very bad over the emirate’s they say there could be flooding of tears
tuoeklot
0
well let wait tomorrow to decide
All you arsenal fans were giving the big one last couple of weeks now your Norwich fans you sad basards
73sewo73
0
Lol nothing is gonna happen tomorrow, if any team could save us, Norwich would be the last on that list, I’m expecting a brace from Son, we shot ourselves in the foot again and blew top 4
how sure u are
Riubcmot
0
As an Arsenal supporter it's obvious scree you for saying it though. However, Arsenal are nurturing young talent. Forgot you were young once too Owen. Give them the benefit of the doubt.
Moubdemrst
1
Tottenham
nutmegprince
0
hope is still there for Arsenal
Hope in the Europa, no miracle is happening tomorrow
nutmegprince
0
well let wait tomorrow to decide
Lol nothing is gonna happen tomorrow, if any team could save us, Norwich would be the last on that list, I’m expecting a brace from Son, we shot ourselves in the foot again and blew top 4
nutmegprince
1
That’s just the bitter truth unfortunately, they beat man city home and Away this season while we couldn’t even get a draw, we couldn’t even score against Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Southampton at the end of the season shows we’re just not good enough simple
Puoabepyz
0
yes owen but fans dont see that!!! we are better than gooners.
they have FA cup league cup European cup community shield keep quiet boy they are not trophy less
73sewo73
2
well let wait tomorrow to decide
mimacdkmsy
1
hope is still there for Arsenal
baaaimnosz
0
haaah
baaaimnosz
0
Owen is mad, because his team is the weakest, he must talk about man United, not THE GUNNER, where did they stand? he must ask himself that question, that is heart beating and stress
Vimbeilop
0
yes owen but fans dont see that!!! we are better than gooners.
Fok you bro show us 1 cup fr your spursy
Hoaabkmrty
1
yes he is right but how about Man U players, are the at same level of which teams? i guess he know his team are the weakest of all times
waoaekrtu
0
Rubbish talk from a hyped player, can't blame him, level of reason at his height level
piyabiklpt
3
yes owen but fans dont see that!!! we are better than gooners.
dee_59
0
Arsenal is circled with mediocrity. They will continue to remain non challengers for many years to come unless some top quality players are hired ASAP.
Jotacdeiz
0
if they no change arteta they can no go anywhere, they will be continues between 5 6 to 7 position
LingdenG
0
not m United legend
truefanbarca/Gun
0
this is true until we can really challenge the big teams, we are just on average football team
Fowbdikrz
5
Who makes him Manchester united legend,more of his carrier was spent at Liverpool at his time at Liverpool he never gets Premiere league trophies except FA cup so making himself a legend at Manchester united never gives a sense, why he tries to deny his Liverpool service just like Vampersy denying Arsenal
Fistonshurmugabo
0
He(owen) has the shortest memory ever.
Couaeklmoy
0
Manchester United legend 😳😳😳