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Second Place is Tottenham’s with Win or Draw

By Alexander Balano

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal to make it 0-4 during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Britannia Stadium on April 18, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal to make it 0-4 during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Britannia Stadium on April 18, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images) /
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The race for second place in the Premier League is down to two teams, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Should Spurs walk away from St James’ Park with at least a draw, they would finish second in the table.

The Telegraph  has gone over the Champions League and Europa League qualification scenarios for next season. And while it’s helpful to know who could be in or out, the most important thing is how Tottenham can lock up second in the Premier League.

Related Story: Tottenham's Champions League Spot is Secured

The Telegraph’s article linked above, are simply predictions of where both Spurs and Arsenal could finish, now that the season is onto it’s final fixture this Sunday.

Now while Tottenham are the favorites to win their game on paper, their form recently in the last three weeks (two draws and one loss) suggests otherwise.

And with a match-up against relegation candidates, Newcastle United, things could be much harder than it seems. With an upset being a possibility if Spurs can’t snap out of their funk.

The Magpies have all the motivation in the world, because a win ensures them safety and another year in the Premier League. A draw or loss and they’ll get the axe.

Of course this could all be moot if Sunderland beats Everton tomorrow afternoon.

ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Mauricio Pochettino Manager of Tottenham Hotspur (2R) talks with his coaching staff during a training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, second leg match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Borussia Dortmund at White Hart Lane on March 16, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: Mauricio Pochettino Manager of Tottenham Hotspur (2R) talks with his coaching staff during a training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, second leg match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Borussia Dortmund at White Hart Lane on March 16, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

That little edge for Newcastle could be a huge difference maker and something that Mauricio Pochettino and his squad can’t take lightly.

Which they shouldn’t if they want to cap off a great season and finish above Arsenal for the first time since the 1994-95 season.

Now let’s assume that Tottenham’s current form doesn’t get better against Newcastle. Let’s say that they draw — it wouldn’t be surprising — but if they did, there should be no worries despite Arsenal facing Aston Villa at home.

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With Tottenham’s goal difference 13 better than the Gunners, it would literally take a 14-0 thrashing against the Lions for Arsenal to clinch second.

Something that is quite difficult to pull off even though Aston Villa’s season has been abysmal at best and have given up a league-worst, minus-45 goals, in 37 matches.

Besides, Arsenal’s most goals in a Premier League game this season was their 5-2 victory over Leicester City back on September 26. They’ve come away with plenty of three-goal games since then, but it would take a Spurs loss to catapult the Gunners to second.

So therefore, taking a look at where things stand, second place is Tottenham’s to lose. They have to at least get a draw to ensure themselves of a higher finish than their north London rivals.

Otherwise, Arsenal can sneak in with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa and call it a day.

Next: Conversation Corner: Tottenham's Home Finale Goes Awry

Spurs aren’t lacking in confidence by any means, it’s just some mental fatigue is all.

And while Tottenham have managed to surrender leads in their previous three games to drop nine points with two draws and one loss, as long as they don’t lose this Sunday, then they’re fine.

No matter what happens, in the end, Tottenham are guaranteed a Champions League spot for next season. It would be nice to finish on a strong note though.

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