Arsenal’s tally of 75 points would have been enough to clinch a Champions League spot in 20 of the past 22 seasons
Meanwhile arch-rivals Tottenham would have won the title in eight of the past 22 years after racking up a superb 86 points
ARSENAL and Tottenham endured very different seasons in 2016-17.
The Gunners failed to make it into the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, while Tottenham mounted a serious title challenge - and finally finished above their arch-rivals in the table.
However, it could have been so much better for BOTH sides... had it not been for their timing.
For example, Arsenal's very respectable final points tally of 75 would have seen them break into the top four in an incredible 20 of the past 22 seasons.
Only in 2007-08 when Liverpool racked up 76 points and 2013-14 when the Gunners themselves earned 79 points, would 75 NOT be enough for a Champions League berth.
So while Arsene Wenger has found himself under increasing pressure, perhaps given the strength of this year's top four, he can just count himself a tad unfortunate.
Then there's Tottenham, who racked up an astonishing 86 points this season - but still finished seven points behind Antonio Conte's rampant Chelsea.
In EIGHT of the past 22 seasons, that tally would have seen Mauricio Pochettino's men lifting the Premier League trophy.
Most recently of course, 86 points would have been enough to pip Leicester to the 2015-16 title - with the Foxes racking up 81 points.
Manchester United would have been beaten to the title on SIX separate occasions - in 2011, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
86 points would have also beaten Arsenal's tally of 78 in 1998.
Much like Wenger, perhaps Pochettino can count himself somewhat unlucky.
After all, had it not been for Chelsea - who racked up the second-most points in Premier League history this term - Spurs could have been champions.
