Arsenal lost 1-0 to a lively Southampton side as Mikel Arteta’s visitors fell to their third defeat on the bounce.
At a sunny St Mary’s Stadium the north Londoners slipped to sixth spot after Jan Bednarek’s first half strike was enough to beat the misfiring Gunners.
Arsenal’s hopes of Champions League qualification took a further blow following damaging losses at the hands of Crystal Palace, Brighton, and now the Saints.
Frustration was compounded with the Gunners unable to capitalise on Spurs 1-0 defeat at home to Brighton in the early kick-off.
Worse was to follow as Ronaldo’s hattrick in a 3-2 victory over Norwich meant that Manchester United leapfrogged the Gunners.
With Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and United at the Emirates next Saturday, hopes are fading of a top four finish - in a desperately disappointing April for Arteta and Arsenal.
Read our Player Ratings:
Aaron Ramsdale: 5/10
Cedric: 2/10
Ben White: 4/10
Gabriel: 4/10
Tavares: 3/10
Granit Xhaka: 4/10
Sambi Lokonga: 4/10
Martin Odegaard: 3/10
Bukayo Saka: 4/10
Gabi Martinelli: 4/10
Eddie Nketiah: 4/10
Substitutes:
Emile Smith Rowe: 4/10
Pepe: 4/10