Thomas Tuchel claims top-four rivals gained ‘huge advantage’ from cup exits

Thomas Tuchel believes that Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham have spurned opportunities to capitalise on their early exits from the domestic cups and European competitions by making a stronger push for Champions League qualification.

Arsenal, United and Spurs have had long spells to prepare for league games this season but their inconsistency has left them scrapping over fourth place. They have been unable to challenge Chelsea, who have a tight grip on third before hosting Arsenal on Wednesday, and Tuchel was amused to hear some of his side’s rivals have been complaining about fatigue.

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Chelsea have had little time to rest this season and have already played 54 games after winning the Club World Cup and the European Super Cup, making it to the last eight of the Champions League and reaching the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals.

Tuchel has had to manage his squad carefully and he is surprised that Mikel Arteta feels Arsenal are at a disadvantage due to their trip to Stamford Bridge being rescheduled three days before they host United.

“Because they have one more day off?” Tuchel said when the topic was raised, sarcastically pointing out that Arsenal’s defeat by Southampton in the league last Saturday came 24 hours before his side won their FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.

There was another shrug of the shoulders when the German heard that United are unhappy about the scheduling of their fixture against Chelsea next month. Arsenal have played 38 games after missing out on European qualification and losing in the third round of the FA Cup, United lost in the Champions League last 16 and Spurs failed to qualify from their