( CNN ) -- For most European clubs , qualifying for the Champions League is a reason for great celebration . For Arsene Wenger , if his Arsenal team can pull that off for a 16th successive season , then it will represent something of a `` Great Escape '' -- and strong dÃ©jÃ vu from the last campaign . Saturday 's 2-1 victory at West Brom lifted the London side up into the fourth and final qualifying place in England 's Premier League , raising hopes among fans that they might yet again be watching top European football in 2013-14 . London rivals Chelsea can reclaim that coveted position with victory at home to Sunderland on Sunday -- and even go third if Tottenham lose against sixth-placed Everton . And with runaway leaders Manchester United having all but sewn up a record-extending 20th title ahead of Monday 's derby with second-placed champions City , the fight for minor placings is much more intriguing . Failure to qualify will be a bitter blow for any one of the capital trio -- for Spurs after last season 's heartbreak ; for Chelsea 's ruthless owner Roman Abramovich after yet more big-scale investment in the team ; and for Wenger as it would raise the chances of his 17-year reign coming to an end . Then there are the financial implications : just qualifying for the Champions League group stage this season was worth $ 11 million for each of the 32 teams , plus television money and a $ 1.3 million bonus for each match victory -- rising substantially until the final , where $ 13.5 million is on offer for next month 's winner . `` It will be difficult and edgy until the end but the only thing I can say is that we are ready for a fight , '' Wenger said after two goals from Tomas Rosicky put Arsenal ahead against eighth-placed West Brom before defender Per Mertesacker 's sending-off led to a penalty by James Morrison . `` We now we have one target -- to win our games . Then we do not have to look at Tottenham or at Chelsea . If we lose our games , you have always to look at the results of the others . `` That does n't work in our job . You have to focus on you , and you win the games . '' It happened last season when Tottenham blew a 10-point advantage to allow Arsenal into third place , and then missed out on the Champions League when fifth-placed Chelsea won the final in Munich . That gave Wenger a stay of execution , despite extending Arsenal 's trophyless run to seven seasons , but this time the 63-year-old Frenchman has been under even more pressure after embarrassing exits to lower league sides in the domestic cup competitions and mixed EPL results . His team went out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage against Bayern Munich on away goals , though a defiant victory in Germany raised morale after a 3-1 mauling in the home leg . `` We have shown two aspects of our game today , '' Wenger said . `` One that was very in control and with technical quality , and one that is less known -- fighting spirit , a resolute attitude and battling qualities that reflect well the spirit we have in our side . `` I believe that since November we have been on a good run in the Premier League . We have made 22 points out of the last 27 but our target is to continue to do that until the end of the season . '' In Saturday 's other results , Aston Villa moved out of the bottom three with a 3-1 win at Stoke , as Belgium striker Christian Benteke wrapped it up with his 15th league goal this season and 19th overall . Reading stayed bottom on goal difference below Queens Park Rangers after losing 2-0 at home to new manager Nigel Adkins ' former club Southampton -- who sacked him in January after a five-game unbeaten run . Southampton climbed up to 11th place , seven points clear of the relegation zone , after a third successive win for new Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino . Ninth-placed Swansea came from behind to draw 2-2 with Norwich , as Spanish forward Michu scored his 17th league goal this season for the Welsh club before fellow striker Luke Moore earned a point .
Arsene Wenger praises Arsenal 's attitude after claiming fourth place in EPL . Saturday 's 2-1 victory over West Brom raises hopes of a Champions League place . Arsenal battling with London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham for qualification . Title race is all but over ahead of Monday 's Manchester derby clash .