MANCHESTER -- Manuel Pellegrini believes Manchester City deserve to be in next season's Champions League after a draw against Arsenal put their involvement in doubt.
The City manager took charge of his final game at the Etihad needing a win to keep their hopes of finishing in next season's top four in their own hands.
But his side were held 2-2 by the Gunners meaning that Manchester United have the chance to move above them on Tuesday night if they beat West Ham United in the last-ever game at Upton Park.
City have been in the top four since the first game of the season and Pellegrini believes they deserve to be there on the final day to secure a place in next season's Champions League under new boss Pep Guardiola.
Pellegrini told a news conference: "We are not finished this season. If you don't depend just on what you can do it is more difficult but we will see on Tuesday what will happen between Manchester United and West Ham.
"I think we deserved to be in Champions League because we have had 37 games in the position of champions. Also we have had improvement in Champions League -- playing so many games is difficult in midweek."
The Chilean also believed his side deserved to beat Arsenal and leapfrog Arsene Wenger's side into third.
Sergio Aguero scored for his sixth successive game to give City the lead before Olivier Giroud equalised two minutes later after poor defending.
Kevin de Bruyne restored City's lead six minutes into the second half but Alexis Sanchez again pegged them back to spoil Pellegrini's final home game.
"I was disappointed not to win the game," admitted the City boss. "Winning the game would have been a great way to say goodbye.
"I don't want to analyse my three years here until next Sunday but the best way to finish would have been three points here and we couldn't do that.
"We played with high pace, good movement, we played with a lot of intensity and having a lot of attempts, especially in the first 45 minutes. I don't think we felt any pressure."
Pellegrini thanked the fans on the pitch after the match although the stadium was only a quarter full when he and the players came back out.
He told the supporters: "Not winning this game is not the way we wanted to finish the season. We want to qualify for next year's Champions League.
"For me it's been three wonderful, unforgettable years. Thanks to the fans for all, I will never forget you. Don't change, because this team needs you and I'm sure next year you will do well in all competitions. Thank you all, I will see you."