Source: SKY_Sports
Barry - Battle is on
Gareth Barry admits Arsenal hold the upper hand in the race for fourth spot, but is refusing to concede defeat.[LNB] The England international has played an integral role in Aston Villa's pursuit of a UEFA Champions League place this season, but has seen the club suffer a wobble of late.[LNB]Martin O'Neill's men have gone seven games without a win, with Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Tottenham prolonging their agony.[LNB]That result saw Villa remain in fifth place in the Premier League table, edged out of the top four by Arsenal on goal difference.[LNB]They now have nine games in which to overhaul the Gunners, with Barry well aware that forthcoming fixtures against title-chasing Liverpool and Manchester United have taken on added importance.[LNB]"Liverpool (on Sunday) is set up for a big game personally and for the team," said Barry, who was involved in a long-running transfer saga with the Reds over the summer.[LNB]"What happened last summer has all gone in my mind, though the fans will bring it back up.[LNB]"Losing to Spurs at the weekend was another blow. It is now advantage to Arsenal in the Champions League race.[LNB]"We have two tough fixtures coming up, Liverpool and Manchester United. But if we deliver a performance of the season against one, it could catapult us to a good finish."[LNB]