Arsene Wenger feels Arsenal will require around 72 points to guarantee a top four finish at the end of the season.
Arsenal are involved in a tough fight with Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Southampton to finish in the Champions League spots this season and though they are third, the difference in points between the teams is miniscule.
The Gunners finished fourth in their last campaign on 79 points, but Wenger feels 72 points this season would be enough to guarantee a Champions League berth for next term.
While teams have finished in the top four with their points tally in the 60s, the Frenchman believes that will not be enough and they need to push harder to reach their target as the quality of teams involved in the race this season is much better.
"72", Wenger was quoted as saying by ITV.
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"People have finished in the top four with 67 points, but if you look at this year we have 51 points now. So it will be in the 70s. It is a tough run-in, but it will be similar to last year.
"Look, have you seen the quality of the teams behind us? Southampton, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United. The best way is to look forward and go as fast as we can.”
Arsenal are on 51 points at this point in time and according to Wenger’s calculations they need another 21 points or seven wins from their remaining league fixtures to finish in the top four.
The mark of 72 wasn’t enough for Everton last term and they could only finish fifth behind the Gunners.
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