Arsenal could just be a day away. For a very long time, winning the Premier League has been an elusive goal that has occasionally come closer but has too frequently been pushed back by lost points. But in one way or another, the wait is almost over. By this time next week, Arsenal will undoubtedly know their fate.
If Burnley is defeated today, Tuesday night may see the popping of the champagne. At that point, Manchester City will play Bournemouth away from home, and any points lost by Pep Guardiola’s team will put an end to the championship contest.
Mikel Arteta’s refusal to fall for the hook at his pre-match press conference was not surprising. When asked if Arsenal will come together to watch that City game and maybe celebrate together, he said, “We prefer just to beat Burnley, that’s it.”
Nothing, not even a matchup with a demoted team that hasn’t won in three months, can be taken for granted since Arteta is aware that his team has lost several chances to take more command of the championship race this season.
Arsenal’s 3 plans for fans at Burnley match
When Arsenal lost against Nottingham Forest in January, they had the opportunity to take a nine-point lead. They were also damaged by stumbles against Brentford and Wolves. If Arsenal had defeated Bournemouth at home last month, they would have surpassed City by 12 points, even with two games remaining.
The title chase should have ended weeks ago for Arsenal. However, after the Gunners were defeated at the Etihad Stadium, failing to do so nearly relieved some of the burden and placed it evenly on City.
Arsenal used that game as a kind of reset, and they have been able to approach games more freely ever since. A new beginning on equal footing was a pleasant liberation, yet being chased seemed like a burden.
Arteta stated, “I think it’s supposed to be like this, especially when you haven’t won for that long. It’s going to be edgy and there will be those moments of doubt.” And I’m very happy that we’ve turned that corner now, and we’re hopeful while also being incredibly present.
