What’s required for Tottenham to qualify for the Europa League

Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on Monday night means that Spurs are not only guaranteed to finish above their north London rivals for a fourth consecutive season – but have mathematically secured a place in the top-seven.

In each of the previous five campaigns, 7th has been good enough to qualify for the Europa League, but Arsenal’s win over Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday has thrown a spanner in the words.

Victory for Mikel Arteta’s side in next months final against Chelsea could deny Spurs a place in next seasons competition as the Gunners can’t qualify for Europe through the Premier League, meaning the place would be theirs.

So what do Tottenham need to do to ensure they’re in Europe next season?

If Arsenal fail to beat the Blues in the final, Spurs are in Europe whatever happens.

However, if they were to beat Chelsea, Jose Mourinho’s side also know that bettering Wolves’ result at Stamford Bridge on Sunday would mean they leapfrog the Molineux outfit and would move into 6th.

But that also might not be enough. If Nuno’s Espirito Santo’s men were to go on and lift the Europa League, Tottenham would miss out that way.

ESPN’s Dale Johnson explains all the permutations here – but says that “if Wolves do win the Europa League and finish outside the top four but in a Europa League place, England would forfeit the Europa League place the team earned.”

So, Tottenham will be supporting their London rivals Chelsea in more ways than one over the coming weeks, but must take care of business at Selhurst Park and then hope for favours elsewhere.

The only way Arsenal can now qualify for Europe is by winning the FA Cup.

If Spurs finish 7th, then Arsenal winning the FA Cup would rob their arch rivals of a place in Europe.

All you need to know about European qualification this season. #AVLARS https://t.co/vsWt8tWseQ

— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) July 21, 2020