Manchester United's Juan Mata insists 'anything can happen' in race for top four despite defeat at Arsenal
Jose Mourinho's side are now four points behind rivals Manchester City in fourth place after losing 2-0 against Arsenal on Sunday
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United’s Juan Mata has insisted that “anything can happen” in the race for the top four following defeat at Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Arsene Wenger enjoyed his first victory over Mourinho in 13 competitive meetings, with Granit Xhaka and Danny Welbeck securing all three points for the home side across a three-minute spell.
The result leaves United four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City with only three games of the season left to play.
United are reliant on their city rivals dropping points but Mata insists his side will continue to fight for a top-four spot, despite having the chance to reach the Champions League by winning the Europa League.
Mourinho’s men head into Thursday’s semi-final second leg against Celta Vigo with a one-goal lead courtesy of Marcus Rashford’s winner in Spain last week.
“Now we play Celta Vigo and we need to focus on that from this moment,” Mata told MUTV after Sunday's defeat at the Emirates.
“We have a really important chance to play Champions League through the Europa League but in the Premier League anything can happen. We will try to win our remaining games and maybe we (will finish) in the top four.”
Asked about the performance against Arsenal, Mata said: “In the first half we had two good chances to score before them and we didn't.
“And then in the second half we [had to] start going again.
“[But] then we conceded that goal, which is a good shot but it's lucky with the deflection going over David [de Gea].
“It was the defining moment of the game and then after that the second goal it was even more difficult.”
Mata returned to action for the first time since March after recovering from a groin injury.
“I have been out for the last few weeks but I tried to help the team as much as I could,” he added.
“We have very important remaining games and I will give my best to try to win them all.”
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