Mikel Arteta has reportedly made a huge decision to help his Arsenal side avoid missing out on Premier League glory following a 2–1 defeat against Manchester City last time out.
Ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad, Arsenal boasted a six-point buffer over second-placed Man City.
However, by 10 pm tomorrow (April 22), the sides could be level on 70 points if Pep Guardiola’s team claim all three points against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Although Sunday’s result was not a critical blow to Arsenal’s hopes of winning a first Premier League title since the days of Thierry Henry and co., it may still spread panic around London Colney – now the Sobha Realty Training Centre – or, as a huge banner unfurled by the home fans on Sunday read, “the streets of London”.
As Declan Rice said to Martin Ødegaard at full-time: “This isn’t done.”
Arteta, who has not guided Arsenal to a trophy since the FA Cup in 2020, may need to change something to overcome Guardiola, a six-time Premier League-winning manager, and his in-form City side.
If both teams win every remaining game, they will finish level on points, meaning goal difference – and possibly even goals scored and conceded – could come into play.
While City will no doubt be preparing for their trip to Lancashire, reports suggest Arteta has given his players two days off to rest their weary minds and bodies before hosting Newcastle United at the Emirates on April 25.
Reports claim there have been concerns that Arsenal’s training has been too intense.
Despite the negative result, club sources suggest Arsenal felt their performance in Manchester showed defiance rather than the crumbling many expected, given their performances at the Etihad in recent years.
Ødegaard’s return has given reason for optimism, while the return of Bukayo Saka will further boost the squad.
According to The Independent, Arteta has reminded his players that the title is still very much in their hands – something which some may describe as positivity or even delusion, given their recent form.
Another reason for optimism for the Gunners is the Champions League – a competition they have never won – with the side set to face Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid in a two-legged semi-final to set up a clash against the winners of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the final.
If luck falls Arsenal’s way, this season may be looked back on as an iconic double-winning campaign, which would banish any nerves of a City fightback.
Although momentum – especially at this stage of the campaign – is huge, in reality, very few are backing the north Londoners to get their hands on the Premier League, never mind the Champions League, or even both.
Arsenal run-in
• Newcastle United (H) – Apr 25
• Atlético Madrid (A, UCL SF 1st leg) – Apr 29
• Fulham (H) – May 2
• Atlético Madrid (H, UCL SF 2nd leg) – May 5
• West Ham United (A) – May 10
• Burnley (H) – May 17
• Crystal Palace (A) – May 24
Man City run-in
• Burnley (A) – Apr 22
• Southampton (H, FA Cup) – Apr 25
• Everton (A) – May 4
• Brentford (H) – May 9
• Bournemouth (A) – May 17
• Aston Villa (H) – May 24
• Crystal Palace (H, TBC – game in hand)