Wojciech Szczesny says Arsenal must win ugly to beat Everton in race for fourth place

By Jim Van Wijk, Press Association

Published: 10:44 EDT, 16 April 2014 | Updated: 10:44 EDT, 16 April 2014

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny would be happy for another four ugly wins if it means Arsenal secure Champions League qualification ahead of Everton.

The Gunners moved back up into the top four after coming from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium, where France forward Olivier Giroud netted a superb finish and German international Lukas Podolski crashed home a brace.

Everton, however, will regain the advantage should they produce a positive result at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.

All smiles: Wojciech Szczesny (right) has a laugh with Lukas Podolski after the win over West Ham

Win ugly: Szczesny doesn't care how Arsenal claim a Champions League slot, as long as they finish fourth

The race for the final Champions League place is set to go to the wire and Szczesny insists it does not matter how the FA Cup finalists secure it, so long as they do.

'The energy level was not great after playing 120 minutes (against Wigan at Wembley) on Saturday, but it was important to get three points,' said Szczesny, who was back in the side having been on the bench for the semi-final.

'In the Premier League we had not won in four games, so it was important to get back to winning ways - three points is all that matters at the moment.

'I will take four or five more games like that until the end of the season. As long as we get three points, it does not have to be beautiful.

'Every game is like a cup final for us now and we know we have to get the result every time and wait for Everton to drop points.'

Race for fourth: Arsenal are in the driving seat but that could change if Everton beat Crystal Palace

Early scare: Szczesny is beaten by Matt Jarvis's header but Arsenal went on to beat West Ham

Szczesny is confident Arsenal can secure a positive end to a campaign which had promised so much.

'Before the four disappointing results we had recently we were still in the title race, so it has slipped away from us,' the Poland keeper said.

'But it is important for us to fight for the new challenge, which is the top four now. We are confident we are going to do the job.'