A three-way fight for the top four places between London clubs Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal became a two-horse race between the Gunners and Spurs, since 10-man Chelsea won 2-1 at Villa Park, courtesy of a Frank Lampard double.

Chelsea’s win ensured that the Blues remain in third position with 72 points, three ahead of fourth placed Spurs having 69 points, with a huge goal difference advantage. Arsenal are fifth with 67 points, albeit having a game in hand since their match at the weekend was postponed due to Wigan’s participation in the FA Cup.

With Chelsea’s passage to the top four already secured, the Gunners know that they themselves can qualify for the top-four if they win the remaining two league matches, against Wigan at home and Newcastle away on the final day of the season.

According to Metro, Spurs boss Villas-Boas is happy to put the pressure on Arsenal and hopes that they slip-up to allow Spurs to finish above them. He said, “It gives us the possibility of making the Champions League. The dream is still alive for us. We wanted to take it to the last day when we are playing at home [against Sunderland], so it was an extremely important win for us.”

He added, “Arsenal are strong and experienced but it will go down to the wire. Hopefully we can be rewarded for what we’ve done this season. This puts more pressure on Arsenal and now we hope Wigan have their day.”

They face relegation-threatened Wigan Tuesday night, who beat Manchester City 1-0 to lift the FA Cup against all odds. Wenger knows Wigan will be a tricky opponent to get past, as they need a win to keep alive their slim hopes of staying in the top flight of English football.

It will not be a guaranteed three points for Wenger’s men, as they lost 2-1 at home to Wigan in the corresponding fixture last season. The Latics will be full of confidence after they surprisingly overcame mighty Manchester City to lift the trophy at Wembley.

If Spurs hadn’t overcome Stoke at the Britannia, Arsenal would require just 1 win out of their last two matches owing to their superior goal difference. However, a Spurs win means that Arsenal will need to do it the hard way if they want to finish in the top-four.