David Pleat: Fourth for Arsenal would be failure

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager David Pleat has claimed that anything less than third spot would be a failure for Arsenal.

The Gunners have recently overtaken their rivals following a run of good form and now lead Harry Redknapp's men by two points.

Pleat believes the fact that Spurs and Chelsea are still involved in other competitions plays into Arsene Wenger's hands.

"Arsenal must be favourites for third spot now," Pleat admitted on talkSPORT. "They've not got the problem of trying to win cup games. It would be a failure on their part if they don't get third."

Pleat has had four spells in charge at White Hart Lane, mostly as a caretaker manager.