Jose Reyes's double kept Arsenal's hopes of finishing fourth alive with their 3-1 win at Manchester City last night.
Arsenal took the lead after 30 minutes when Freddie Ljungberg slotted in but City drew level before half-time through David Sommeil's tap-in.
Arsenal poured forward after the break and were eventually rewarded when Reyes began and ended a devastating move.
Reyes wrapped up victory with a superb finish as Arsenal closed the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham to one point.
Arsenal now go into Sunday's last-ever game at Highbury against Wigan needing to better Tottenham's result against West Ham to avoid having to win the Champions League final to clinch their place in the competition next season.
Another boost for the Gunners was Ashley Cole's first appearance since October, in front of the watching England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce admitted: "We were beaten by a side with fantastic cutting edge.
"Every time we crossed the ball or had a set-piece, I thought we looked dangerous but the thing with Arsenal is they hit you on the break.
"I think we gave them too much respect near our goal. Mentally and physically it's hard work, but you have to stay alert at all times."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger remarked: "It was tight but I was always confident. City gave everything, and Jens Lehmann had to make two good saves at 1-1.
"Ashley Cole had 90 minutes of high pace and came through well."
Arsenal took the lead after 30 minutes when Freddie Ljungberg slotted in but City drew level before half-time through David Sommeil's tap-in.
Arsenal poured forward after the break and were eventually rewarded when Reyes began and ended a devastating move.
Reyes wrapped up victory with a superb finish as Arsenal closed the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham to one point.
Arsenal now go into Sunday's last-ever game at Highbury against Wigan needing to better Tottenham's result against West Ham to avoid having to win the Champions League final to clinch their place in the competition next season.
Another boost for the Gunners was Ashley Cole's first appearance since October, in front of the watching England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce admitted: "We were beaten by a side with fantastic cutting edge.
"Every time we crossed the ball or had a set-piece, I thought we looked dangerous but the thing with Arsenal is they hit you on the break.
"I think we gave them too much respect near our goal. Mentally and physically it's hard work, but you have to stay alert at all times."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger remarked: "It was tight but I was always confident. City gave everything, and Jens Lehmann had to make two good saves at 1-1.
"Ashley Cole had 90 minutes of high pace and came through well."
