Crystal Palace could have a major say on the title race
05:00, 18 May 2026
Mikel Arteta and Oliver Glasner
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Mikel Arteta has learned what Oliver Glasner is planning for the final day of the season(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal face a pivotal week in their pursuit of the first part of a historic double.
Three points against Burnley on Monday are absolutely vital as the Gunners seek to wrap up their first league championship in 22 years. Such a result would heap pressure on FA Cup holders Manchester City, who travel to Champions League-chasing Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Arsenal would then hope to toast title success at Crystal Palace on the final weekend before departing for Budapest and the Champions League final against PSG. Whether this current Arsenal squad will be regarded as 'nearly men' or club icons will be determined over the next fortnight.
Elsewhere, there is plenty of chatter about what lies ahead, regardless of whether they win two trophies, one or end up with nothing. Before a critical evening for Mikel Arteta's team, here's a summary of the latest Gunners news...
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Palace's final-day plan
Oliver Glasner has revealed his strategy for Arsenal's final-day encounter at Palace. Unless the Gunners beat Burnley and City fail to defeat Bournemouth, the championship battle will go to the final day.
While Arteta's side would have everything to play for, the Eagles will have their sights set on the Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27. This has prompted speculation, predominantly from City supporters, that Glasner will field a depleted starting XI.
Crystal Palace's Austrian manager Oliver Glasner applauds the fans following the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 25, 2026
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Glasner's side also have a European final to look forward to(Image: Getty Images)
The Austrian has addressed the matter by asserting he won't rotate "a lot." Nevertheless, he has acknowledged that key players may be withdrawn earlier than usual, potentially as early as half-time.
He said: "Yes, we will maybe make more and earlier substitutions, maybe after 60, 70 minutes latest, maybe one or two at half-time if that's possible, but everything else we won't do."
Rodri stirs pot
Rodri has attempted some psychological warfare ahead of both clubs' final pair of fixtures. City have become masters at getting over the line in title run-ins, while the Gunners have made a habit of falling away when the pressure mounts.
Speaking following City's FA Cup triumph on Saturday, Rodri attempted to heap pressure on Arsenal by raising the prospect of the Gunners stumbling once more. He said: "Everything can happen.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Rodri of Manchester City celebrates with the Emirates FA Cup trophy after his team's victory in the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester City on May 16, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
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Rodri has attempted to heap pressure on Arsenal(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
"We need them to drop points, which could happen in the next game or the last one. If I was in their position, it's not easy to finish the task. We have to be there pushing until the end."
When quizzed on whether he expects Arsenal to drop points, Rodri replied: "I mean, from our experience, we were losing the title [to Liverpool] against Aston Villa at our home in minute 80 [in 2022].
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"So everything can happen in football. We know how difficult it is to close things and we know how difficult it is to beat everyone in this Premier League."
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