As the race for the UEFA Champions League qualification enters its final stages, mind games have already begun, with the latest remark by Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny having a go at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Polish keeper claimed that Spurs did not have enough quality to beat Arsenal to a spot in the top four of the Barclays Premier League. This angered Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas, who has taken a swipe back at the keeper.

According to Metro, Villas-Boas doubted Szczesny’s loyalty to the Gunners, claiming that he expected the shot-stopper to be at a different club in the future.

While Villas-Boas respects the opinions of the player, he said, “He is entitled to his opinion. It is absolutely fine. You don’t expect love from an Arsenal player to Tottenham player. If it touches a bit lack of respect, it is normal in a rivalry,

“I think it would have been a little more tolerable if it had come from a genuine Arsenal fan.

“Coming from an Arsenal player, he is an Arsenal player who is probably only passing by to another club, or who is not going to stay there for life. In the end if he means exactly those words from the heart…he doesn’t, for sure.”

“I wouldn’t say that an Arsenal fan (player) that has just arrived in that club for the last couple of years is entitled to so much hatred towards Tottenham like he seems to have.”

Some strong words by the former Chelsea manager, as he continues to defy the odds by rallying his troops to Spurs’ second qualification among Europe’s elite in recent years.

With Spurs winger Gareth Bale winning the PFA Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year awards this season, it is clear that Villas-Boas’ impact is strong on his team. But looking at the league table, the top four race will go down to the wire, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs fighting for the remaining two spots.

The final league positions will not only determine European qualification, but also summer transfer targets, some of whom might only join a team if they are qualified for the Champions League.