Artea says era of the top six is over in the Premier League going forward

PREMIER LEAGUE

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ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta believes the era of the Premier League's so-called 'Big Six' is over.

The Gunners entertain Newcastle in their final home match of the season at the Emirates today with both sides vying to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Arteta's players need just two points from their last two fixtures to be assured of being in Europe's top-tier competition for a third successive campaign, while Newcastle's fate is also in their own hands.

They are one point clear of sixth-placed Manchester City and know a win at the Emirates would take them into second place ahead of their final game against Everton at St James' Park next Sunday.

But with City scrambling to salvage a Champions League spot, and both Manchester United and Tottenham relying on Europa League success to claim Champions League qualification, Arteta said: “The level has gone to something bigger than what we have experienced in the previous 12 months and in the past.

“I know a lot of the coaches and we have had discussions about that, and it is frightening the way that it is evolving, and how competitive it is, and how difficult it is to win, and because the margins are so small next season is going to be even more difficult.