Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has said that the upcoming Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United could be crucial to deciding their top four prospects. United are currently just one point ahead of the Gunners for the final Champions League spot, but they also have Chelsea breathing down their necks with a two-point deficit with a game in hand.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said that the forthcoming league clash between Arsenal and Manchester United could have a detrimental effect on the top four hopes of one side, should they suffer a defeat, he said: "I think a lot of the top-four race goes down to this game on Sunday. That's why it's a massive football match, whoever loses won't be in the top four. But if Arsenal lose they've still got a chance in the Europa League. People are telling me Manchester United could go on and win the Champions League, I'm not sure about that."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has expressed his delight over the performance of Sergio Aguero in the 3-1 triumph over Arsenal.

The Citizens were on the wrong side of a shock 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United earlier in the week but they managed to make amends by beating the Gunners with Aguero starring with a 10th Premier League hat-trick.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has said that Christian Eriksen’s future with the club is dynamic amid the Dane’s reluctance to sign a new contract. The former Ajax graduate has just 18 months remaining on his existing deal with the north London side and so far, he has given no indication that he is close to penning an extension.

In a report covered by Sky Sports, Pochettino highlighted that the decisions in football are dynamic and the same lies with Eriksen, who has yet to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2020, he said: "Football is so dynamic. It changes every day, every season. It depends not only on your decision, but it is always a player's decision. Now is a moment to enjoy our present. Of course, it is a person that the club wants for the future, but now we need to be focused - a player like him is focused and tries to deliver a great performance in the way that we need."
Eriksen has struggled with a couple of injury concerns during the current campaign but he has nonetheless picked up form during the festive period with four goals and an assist across all competitions. As such, Spurs are aware that they need to commit Eriksen to a new contract at the earliest but so far, the midfielder has shown no signs of doing so with Barcelona among the high-profile clubs associated with his signature.

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs believes the players have to take the responsibility for a disappointing first half to the 2018/19 season. The Red Devils recently suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool on the road and this has created a 19-point gap between them and Jurgen Klopp’s side, who are leading the standings.

In a report covered by Fox Sports, Giggs admitted that Jose Mourinho would undoubtedly get the criticism for the club’s showing during the campaign but the players should equally take the blame for a team which has struggled to stay aloft in the top-four race, he said: “Jose takes a lot of stick, rightly or wrongly, but the players have got to take responsibility as well.

Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku says he is clear on his target at the club following talks with the coach Jose Mourinho. The Belgian has been underperforming for a while, resulting in a loss of his starting shirt at Old Trafford.

Mourinho wanted the player to emerge from his post World Cup slump earlier hence the frustrations when Lukaku was not banging in the goals as expected.

Belgium international Eden Hazard has said that he is capable of reaching the 20 to 25 goal mark this term after making a bright start with Chelsea. The attacker has already amassed eight goals and three assists during the ongoing campaign but he has been absent for the past two matches with a back problem.

In a report covered by Goal.com, Hazard highlighted that he does not have an obsession to score goals but he is pleased with the output provided by him during the ongoing campaign. He added that the 40-goal mark appears far-fetched for him but he can fancy his chances of reaching the 20-goal mark for the first time in his Blues career.