Joe Cole believes Manchester United hold the upper-hand in the race to finish fourth in the Premier League, despite Arsenal’s impressive response to recent setbacks.
Arsenal suffered consecutive defeats at Old Trafford and Goodison Park this month, but two convincing wins on home soil against Southampton and West Ham have set them back on course.
Even without the services of former skipper, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mike Arteta’s side overpowered the Hammers on Wednesday and moved into fourth place for the first time this campaign.
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With many of their rivals forced to postpone games due to Covid outbreaks, Arsenal have the opportunity to move further ahead of the pack on Saturday when they face Leeds at Elland Road.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side will be smarting from their 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Man City on Tuesday, but the Gunners remain strong favourites to secure what would be their first win on the road since October.
A win would put Arsenal five points ahead of the Red devils, who would have two games in hand, but Cole believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence will prove to be the decisive factor in the race to claim the final Champions League qualifying spot.
He told BT Sport: ‘There’s so much to be positive about the goalkeeper is outstanding. Gabriel and White have got it together, they’ve really nailed it.
‘Then you’ve got the young lads. I think they’ll be there, or thereabouts. But if you ask me I think it’s going to be between Manchester United, Tottenham, West Ham and Arsenal.
‘And I’d probably just go with United because of the Ronaldo factor because he’s such a genius and he guarantees you goals. He always turns up.’
