3 Must-Win Games for Arsenal to Seal Premier League Top-4 Spot

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal always finish in the top four. It's one the Premier League's fundamental truths.

However, this season it will be tougher than most. With Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton all in hot pursuit, the Gunners can not afford too many slips between now and the end of the season. Having secured their place in the FA Cup semi-final, the Gunners must quickly refocus on their league campaign.

Arsenal currently have just 10 Premier League fixtures remaining. In this piece, we identify the three most critical games to their top-four push.

Wins in these matches would almost certainly ensure Arsenal qualify for Europe once again.

Arsenal vs. Liverpool, April 4

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Only one Premier League team are in better form than Arsenal at the moment: Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers' side have won five of their last six matches, beating Tottenham, Southampton and Manchester City along the way.

The two sides played out a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture at Anfield. An Arsenal win this time around would leave Arsenal with one foot in the Champions League. 

Manchester United vs. Arsenal, May 16

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When Arsenal travel to Old Trafford for their penultimate league fixture of the season, they are likely to encounter a Manchester United side fuelled by more than just a desire for revenge.

Louis van Gaal's team will be desperate to atone for their FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, but they'll also need the points to maintain their own Champions League charge.

Another victory in Manchester could well put the final nail in the coffin of United's bid for a top-four place. That would be every bit as enjoyable as Arsenal's quarter-final triumph.

Arsenal vs. West Brom, May 24

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The battle for the top four seems certain to run until the last day of the Premier League season. With that in mind, Arsenal’s final fixture against West Bromwich Albion could become incredibly important.

This would not be the first time Arsenal have faced the Baggies battling to retain their Champions League status. In 2012, Arsenal picked up a nervy 3-2 victory to secure a third-place finish. Toward the final whistle, Arsene Wenger was spotted clinging to his assistant Pat Rice in terror.

Arsenal will hope to avoid such a tense conclusion to the season this time around.