Arsenal make the short trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon knowing that victory will be enough to move ahead of their hosts in the Premier League table, agencies report.
As well as having the opportunity to move four points clear of the Gunners, Palace could move into the top six if they prevail in this London derby. With Sheffield United and Chelsea to follow the visit to Palace, neither Arteta or his players will be getting carried away with their recent upturn in results and performances, but it feels pivotal that the Spaniard has began his reign by lifting the mood at the club. Despite there still being nine points between themselves and fourth-placed Chelsea, achieving a Champions League spot come the end of the season no longer feels impossible, providing that the team can kick on in the coming weeks.
From Palace's perspective, they have their own opportunity to once again become a factor in the race for the European places, despite winning just once in half-a-dozen outings. Roy Hodgson will feel like his side have missed an opportunity to get themselves among the sides competing with Chelsea for the final Champions League position, with just eight points separating the two teams ahead of the weekend.
When the players take to the pitch on Saturday, there may be some disappointment lingering from the defeat to Derby County in the FA Cup, with Palace now having lost two home cup ties to EFL opposition this season.
