Manchester City humbled Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday - but history suggests the Gunners could now be on track for a top-four finish. Over the past decade, League Cup runners-up have proceeded to climb two places in the final Premier League table, on average - with eight out of 10 improving their league standing. Arsene Wenger's side currently sit sixth in the Premier League and a two-place rise would lift Arsenal into fourth spot to claim automatic Champions League qualification. Manchester City beat Arsenal 3-0 in the Carabao Cup finalNorth London rivals Tottenham lost the League Cup final against Manchester United in 2009, but climbed from 14th to eighth in the league come May. So, history suggests that teams react positively and rise two places in the Premier League after League Cup disappointment, which would land Arsenal a top-four spot and Champions League qualification without having to win the Europa League - provided they don't repeat their decline of 2011.

Source: Sky sports February 26, 2018 08:48 UTC