What Arsenal defeat means for Manchester United’s top four hopes in the Premier League table

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Crashing out of the Champions League to Atletico Madrid has left Manchester United with only one objective to focus on, landing a top four place.

There was a boost for this on Wednesday evening, as Arsenal lost at home to Liverpool at The Emirates.

While frustrating to see Liverpool win as they push to try and equal United’s 20 titles, there were no good options for United in this game.

Arsenal’s defeat has more of a beneficial impact on Ralf Rangnick’s current United side. They were beaten 2-0 at The Emirates. This ends a five game winning run for the Gunners.

How result impacts the Premier League table

United are in fifth place, one point behind Arsenal. The Gunners have two games in hand – but before the Liverpool game, it was three games in hand.

Arsenal have another of their games in hand on Saturday away at Aston Villa, a stadium where they lost last season. If they suffer another defeat, the race for the top four really is back on.

United have to go to Arsenal, don’t forget, and winning at The Emirates could provide a vital swing for Rangnick’s side, who beat the Gunners 3-2 at Old Trafford.

Arsenal also have tricky away games ahead against Chelsea, West Ham, and Newcastle, as well as Southampton and Crystal Palace.

If they had beaten Liverpool tonight, the race probably would have been over. Now the chance to pip them to the top four spot and secure a Champions League place looks a little more possible, the door has been re-opened.

United’s fixtures

United’s fixtures are far from easy either, and this is where the real problem comes in. The away game against Liverpool is a particular problem, along with the general misgivings over United’s form, unpredictability and lack of confidence.

But if the players come back refreshed, and full of belief, then they could make it happen. Beating Arsenal at The Emirates next month would be a pivotal result.

• Leicester City (H) April 2
• Everton (A) April 9
• Norwich (H) April 16
• Liverpool (A) April 19
• Arsenal (A) April 23
• Brentford (H) May 2
• Brighton (A) May 7
• Chelsea (H) May 15
• Crystal Palace (A) May 22