Arsenal misses out on Champions League spot for the first time since 1996

Arsenal will not be in the next edition of the Champions League, in which they have always participated since 1996.

The London team did not fail and defeated Everton at home this Sunday (3-1), but Liverpool's victory over Middlesbrough (3-0) condemned them to fifth place in the Premier League.

The Gunners did their part and got rid of the Toffees with goals from Héctor Bellerín, Alexis Sánchez, and Aaron Ramsey, but they needed a stumble from Jürgen Klopp's men that did not happen.

Liverpool beat the already relegated Boro 3-0 - goals from Georginio Wijnaldum, Philippe Coutinho, and Adam Lallana - and retained fourth place in the table, so Arsenal will have to settle for playing the Europa League next season.

Arsene Wenger's team, who finishes his contract on June 30 and has not yet revealed whether he will continue at the Emirates Stadium or leave the club after 20 years, has the opportunity to slightly improve the season if they defeat their neighbors Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 27.

As things stand, the North London team, out of the top four for the first time since 1996, will play in the Europa League next season, while Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Liverpool will be the English representatives in the top continental competition.

The Premier League could add one more participant in the Champions League if Manchester United defeats Ajax Amsterdam in the Europa League final in Stockholm on Wednesday.