The race for a UEFA Cup spot will go down the final day of the season after Arsenal thwarted Everton's qualification hopes with a 1-0 victory on Sunday.

Nicklas Bendtner scored the only goal of the game 13 minutes from time to deny the Toffees the point they needed to seal fifth place in the Premier League.

In a game of few clear-cut chances, Everton had frustrated the hosts with a fine defensive display until Bendtner rose to head home substitute Armand Traore's cross.

The result means Everton remain three points ahead of Aston Villa in the race for Europe and will need a point from their final game - at home to Newcastle next Sunday - to guarantee themselves a return to European football in 2008/09.

Villa head for West Ham, knowing only a win wil keep them in the hunt.

Arsenal's victory keeps their hopes of finishing as runners-up alive. However, they need Chelsea to take two points or less from their final two games for that to happen.

The team who finishes second will go straight through to the group stages of the Champions League; third place will have to play in the qualifying rounds.

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