Arsenal on course for fourth? Pundits' Arteta verdict

Will anyone catch Arsenal in the race for a top-four finish and Champions League football?

That was the topic of debate in the Super Sunday studio after the Gunners moved back into fourth spot in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal have not finished in the top four since Arsene Wenger was in charge and last season did not qualify for Europe for the first time since the 1994/95 campaign, but Sunday's comfortable victory opened up a one-point advantage on fifth-placed Manchester United, who have played three games more.

West Ham in sixth and seventh-placed Wolves have also played three games more than the Gunners, and are three and five points worse off respectively.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp believes Arsenal's absence from cup and European competitions could prove decisive in their bid to finish in the top four.

"They have got no distractions; they have got no cup games which is important in terms of keeping everyone fit," he said. "Others have cup and European competitions.

"The way Arsenal are playing; you can see what Mikel Arteta is doing on the training ground is coming to fruition. While the other teams have cup games, Arsenal just have to concentrate on what they're doing.

"You can see they are working hard for each other. There is a real belief in this side. It looks like it is enjoyable in that team now. They are playing with a smile on their face. There are interactions and they are enjoying playing with each other. The patterns of play are there, and it is a joy to watch."

Video: Frank Lampard thinking of friends at Chelsea in ‘tough moment’ for former club (Evening Standard)

Shane Warne dead at 52: Australian cricket legend dies suddenly after