Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has said that Tottenham Hotspur's defeat to Southampton on Sunday inspired his side ahead of their meeting with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with City in Sunday's later kickoff, closing the gap between themselves and second-placed Spurs to two points going into the final game of the season.
Arsenal would pip their North London rivals to second place should they beat Aston Villa at home on the final day and Spurs lose away to Newcastle United, and Wilshere is hoping for a favour from the Magpies.
"We all knew the Spurs result [before the City game] and of course that motivates us. We want to finish above them and show we are the best team in North London," Wilshere told the London Evening Standard.
"We expect to win our home games so hopefully Newcastle can do us a favour. I saw about 10 minutes of the first half and when I turned it off it was 1-1. Obviously, then you are checking your phone in the dressing room. When we saw it finished 2-1 it gave us a real lift.
"The main thing was not to lose [against City] so it was still in our hands. After going 1-0 down and then 2-1 down, overall you would take a draw. It is a tough place to come and we showed good character - that's what we can take from the game."
Arsenal have not finished below Tottenham Hotspur since 1995.
Barney Corkhill
