Arsenal Boss Eyes City Slip-Ups in Title Race
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refuses to concede defeat in the Premier League title race, hoping for a Manchester City stumble in the final stretch.
The Gunners have strung together three consecutive league victories since their defeat to Aston Villa in April, keeping them atop the table by a single point, despite City holding a game in hand.
The Citizens control their own destiny; winning their remaining four matches against Wolves, Fulham, Tottenham, and West Ham would secure them another championship title. However, Arsenal can maintain the pressure with a victory against Bournemouth this Saturday.
Arteta Emphasizes Remaining Games
When asked if City might drop points, Arteta acknowledged, “Deep down, that’s certainly what I’m hoping for.” He further elaborated on the emotional rollercoaster of the title race: “It’s no secret how I’m feeling; you just want to win. Winning often requires others to falter, and you naturally hope for that to happen. But regardless of the outcome on any given day, you have to manage your emotions.”
Arteta remains focused on the task at hand, highlighting the remaining matches and the importance of securing points. “There are still many games to be played, and plenty of points up for grabs. We need to perform well, prepare meticulously, and win the next match to maintain momentum. That’s our current objective.”
City’s Ruthlessness a Concern
The Arsenal manager is acutely aware of City’s historical dominance in the Premier League’s final stages. “Looking at what they’ve accomplished over the past seven or eight years, the sheer number of points you need to amass to compete with them – those sequences of victories and bursts of momentum to reach that level… it’s no surprise.”
Following their Bournemouth clash, Arsenal faces a potentially tricky away fixture against Manchester United. Erik ten Hag’s side could unintentionally hand the title to their city rivals by defeating the Gunners. Arsenal wraps up their season with a home match against Everton on May 19th.
