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Pellegrini hopes United suffer Hammers’ blow

City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal means top four position is no longer in their own hands

Afp May 10, 2016

Outgoing City manager Pellegrini said farewell to fans after his last home game at the Etihad. PHOTO: AFP

MANCHESTER: Outgoing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini strived to put on a brave face after his team’s chances of Champions League qualification were compromised by a 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Sunday’s result at the Etihad Stadium means that City can only finish in the top four if Manchester United drop points in their two final games or if Arsenal lose at home to bottom club Aston Villa on the final day.

Dropping down to the Europa League would represent a wretched legacy for Pellegrini, who led City to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time this season, but with United facing a testing trip to West Ham United today, the Chilean said it was important not to abandon hope.

Top-three battle: City looking to avoid Champions League qualifiers

“We have not finished the season,” he said. “We will see what will happen between Manchester United and West Ham. I think we deserve to be in the Champions League next year because we have had 37 games in that spot, so I hope that we are not going to lose it in the last game.”

Pellegrini gives way to Pep Guardiola at the season’s end and his 57th and final home league game was to prove a dispiriting affair. The stadium was half-empty by the time Pellegrini took to the pitch to deliver a short farewell speech.

It was an underwhelming send-off for an understated man who has brought a Premier League title and two League Cups to the Etihad Stadium, but he refused to blame the supporters who left early.

“I was disappointed not to win the game,” said the 62-year-old. “I have had three unforgettable years here that I want to analyse in this moment.”

Sanchez upstages Pellegrini to hit Man City's top-four bid

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger left the stadium in a much happier mood after seeing his side move to the brink of qualifying for the Champions League for the 19th successive season.

Victory over Villa will secure third place and Arsenal could yet pip local rivals Tottenham Hotspur to a runners-up spot behind Leicester City if they beat Villa and Spurs lose at Newcastle United.

“It is in our hands now, but we have seen again today we just want to finish the job,” said Wenger.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2016.

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