EPL: UEFA takes major decision that could destroy Arsenal’s Champions League hope

Arsenal’s top-four charge in the Premier League may have taken a major dent after UEFA’s decision to hand Tottenham Hotspur a 3-0 loss to Rennes.

UEFA’s decision to kick Tottenham out of the Europa Conference League could have major ramifications for Arsenal this season.

Recall that a surge in positive COVID-19 cases meant that Antonio Conte’s side was unable to play their final group stage match against Rennes earlier this month.

However, UEFA has now delivered their verdict on the game, releasing a statement on Monday that confirmed Tottenham would forfeit the match 3-0.

“The Chairman of the UEFA Appeals Body took the following decision: To declare the 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Stade Rennais FC, that was initially scheduled to be played on 9 December 2021, as forfeited by Tottenham Hotspur FC, who is therefore deemed to have lost the match 0-3 in accordance with Annex J.3.1 to the Regulations of the UEFA Europa Conference League (2021/22 Season).” the statement read in part.

The decision to knock Tottenham out of the competition could be a major blow to Arsenal’s top-four challenge, considering they were the only Premier League side competing for the coveted Champions League position that weren’t in Europe this season, with Manchester United and West Ham both qualifying for the knockout stages of their respective competitions.

Spurs are currently six points behind Arsenal whilst boasting three games in hand, with the lack of European football making it easier to play those fixtures in the coming months.