Manchester United told key reason why Tottenham will win top-four race

Darren Bent agrees with Owen Hargreaves that inconsistency will cost Manchester United in the re-energised top four race this season. Having slipped away from contention, the Old Trafford giants are right back in the mix after a dramatic Premier League matchday.

Fourth-placed Tottenham were surprisingly beaten in the early kick-off against Brighton. After that, north London rivals Arsenal were edged out by Southampton and Cristiano Ronaldo -inspired United took full advantage of those results with a 3-2 victory over rock-bottom Norwich.

It means there are only three points between Tottenham, United and Arsenal heading into the closing stretch. But, according to the pundits, there is one clear favourite to join Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in qualifying for the Champions League.

READ MORE: Owen Hargreaves shares Cristiano Ronaldo concern for Manchester United

Hargreaves told Premier League Productions : "Tottenham are still in the driving seat because they're ahead. I know Arsenal have a game in hand - but I think Arsenal will fall short with the fixtures they've got. Manchester United are just too inconsistent. Tottenham should be able to get the job done."

Speaking on the same post-match panel, Bent added: "With Antonio Conte there they have been on a great run, Tottenham. I expect them to do that again. Because what is it, one loss in their last five? They can go on a run and, as you said, they're already in that fourth spot.

"It's in their hands at the end of the day. If they can win their games, then I think with the consistency that's going around them with Manchester United being inconsistent and Arsenal not scoring any goals, I still think it's in Spurs' hands."

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