Following Arsenal's return to the top four last night, Michael Carrick lauded the team's recent play. Mikel Arteta's side, according to the Manchester United icon and former caretaker manager, have their fate in their own hands.
Arsenal are now fourth in the league table, three points behind third-placed Chelsea. Their main attention, though, will be on Tottenham, who are only two points behind them in fifth place in the league table.
Carrick was reviewing their match against West Ham United on Premier League Productions on Sunday night. The Manchester United veteran was full of praise for the Gunners after their 2-1 victory.
"They've had an incredible run." People ask, "Would you rather have the points in the bag or chase the bottom pressure?" I'd much rather be in a position where everything is in your control, 100 percent. And that's where they've ended up, so good on them for putting themselves in this situation because today's game was not easy for them. It provides them with a fantastic opportunity. "
Carrick added regarding their prospects of finishing in the top four this season:
"We've talked about the Tottenham game; it's the obvious one, but that's not to say the other clubs won't win the rest of their games, so it's certainly all on the table."
Chelsea are still in the driving seat for a Champions League spot next season, but their defeat to Everton has given a fresh twist to the story. The Blues are back in the mix, and if they continue to lose points, they may fall out of the top four.
Arsenal and Tottenham must also be at their best, but only one of them will be able to collect all 12 points available before the season's finale, as they play off next week. This season's North London Derby could be the deciding factor in who finishes in the top four.