The Gunners 1-1 draw with Portsmouth meant that even victory in the north London derby on April 22 would not currently be enough for them to take advantage in the race for fourth spot.
Arsene Wenger pulled off Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor for the last 15 minutes after he missed several opportunities at Fratton Park on Wednesday night, as Arsenal slipped up in their rescheduled game on the south coast.
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, whose side are fighting for their lives at the other end of the table admitted after the game: "They were great chances for Adebayor. When that happened we began to think it might be our day."
Source: Daily Telegraph