Arsenal have taken control of the race to finish fourth in the Premier League season.

Mikel Arteta's side currently occupy that position despite having three games in hand of Manchester United in fifth and West Ham in sixth.

North London rivals, Spurs, look to be their biggest challengers as things stand but they're still three points adrift having played a game more.

But the importance of finishing fourth for Arsenal or Spurs is far more than just bragging rights.

Everything that Champions League football brings cannot be understated.

From the hefty revenue it brings in to the appeal to join the club for potential new signings, playing in Europe's elite competition is imperative for many big clubs.

So imagine striving all season, playing 38 games in the Premier League to finish in the top four and STILL not qualify for the Champions League.

It must be sickening.

And it could happen to Arsenal and Tottenham this season.

How?

Well, let us explain.

England get four Champions League places each season. That can be extended to five if any side that finishes outside the top four wins either the Champions League or Europa League.

Of course, that happened during the 2011/12 season as Spurs missed out on Champions League football after finishing fourth thanks to Chelsea beating Bayern Munich in the final of the competition. If that took place these days, Spurs and Chelsea would both still qualify.

But IF - and it's a big if - Manchester United win the Champions League this season and West Ham win the Europa League, Arsenal or Spurs would miss out on qualification for the European Cup despite finishing fourth.

How Arsenal or Spurs could miss out on Champions League football despite finishing fourth

For example:
4th) Arsenal
5th) Spurs
6th) Man Utd - Win the Champions League
7th) West Ham - Win the Europa League

We know what you're all thinking: That's incredibly unlikely to happen.

And you'd be right.

But let's break it down.

What needs to happen?

Man Utd are currently around 25/1 to win the Champions League. However, after a 1-1 draw in their first leg away to Atletico Madrid, they're actually favourites to progress to the quarter-finals. While it's unlikely they will have enough to overcome the likes of Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Manchester City, there is always a chance when you're in the last eight.

As for West Ham, they're rated around 12/1 to win the Europa League after being drawn against the competition's specialists in Sevilla. But beat the Spanish opponents and David Moyes' side will really fancy their chances.

Arsenal and Spurs are without European football so will be putting all of their eggs in the top-four basket and just praying Man Utd AND West Ham don't do the unthinkable.

It's unlikely and we'll be as surprised as you if it happens. But this is football where absolutely anything can happen. Stranger things definitely have occurred...

QUIZ: North London derby: Can you name these completely forgettable Arsenal and Spurs players?

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