Manchester City and Arsenal already see the finish line of the 2023-24 Premier League. An endless race that had three cars until Klopp’s Liverpool ’caused’ in the final laps, leaving them with no options to climb to the top of the football podium.
He historic three-way fight that was sensed 10 days from the endwhen the ‘reds’ and the ‘gunners’ were first with one more point than the ‘sky blues’, it became a hand in hand between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta that has stretched until the last day.
He Premier trophy will be present at the Etihad and the Emirates waiting for Walker or Odegaard to lift it. However, the numbers put it closer to Manchester than London. After passing the ‘match-ball’ against Tottenham (0-2) and take first place definitively on Tuesday, City has everything in its sights to make a big splash.
Los ‘celestials’ take two points from Arsenal and depend on themselves. If they beat West Ham at the Etihad, who have nothing to play for, they will win their fourth consecutive Premeir, establishing an unprecedented record in the history of football. “Nothing will change if we win the fourth consecutive League or if Arsenal takes it. I know how good we have been. If you arrive with options it means you have been magnificent. We want to live this feeling again,” Pep reflected.
Nothing will change if we win the fourth consecutive League or if Arsenal take it. I know how good we have been
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City coach
However, at 300 kilometers, Arsenal has not said the last word. “We have to show once again that we can be better than the rival and then hope that West Ham has a good day and helps us. The dream is still alive,” Arteta said.
We have to hope that West Ham have a good day and help us. The dream is still alive
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal coach
The Gunners need to beat Everton – already saved – and for City not to do so against the Hammers. to lift their first League since the Invincibles of 2003-04. The best overall goal difference (+61 by +60) favors the Londoners in case of a tie on points.
After getting close to the ‘sky blues’ last season – they were leaders in 30 of 38 games and were eight points ahead in the lead in January – Arsenal has once again put the champion of five of the last six Premiers in trouble. They have been leaders for more days (12) than City (nine), keeping them at bay [ver gráficos]. Guardiola’s men have not scored against them in their direct duels (1-0 and 0-0).
Neither of them has given in. City have had eight consecutive wins and 22 matchdays without losing and the Gunners have five consecutive wins. However, the defeat (0-2) against Villa seven minutes from the end virtually deprived them of first place, leaving the leadership within reach of Guardiola’s team if they did not fail more. And they didn’t. “We love playing under pressure. We are used to it,” said Pep.
A new comeback
City Premiers almost always have the suspense of comebacks. “Playing each game with the feeling that if you lose, bye, bye is very nice.”Guardiola joked.
Arteta: “Of course I have hopes for Sunday”
After their last defeat (1-0 at Villa Park on December 6) The ‘celestials’ were fourth, six points behind Arsenal. “We have to be patient and not make mistakes. This is very long,” said Pep. And little by little they were filing their disadvantage until it was zero.
They already did it in 2018-19, when they raised seven points to become champions. Eight recovered in 2020-21 and 2022-23 and five in the 2021-22 academic year. However, fate has in store for them today a heart-stopping epilogue without a network at the Etihad.
Guardiola reveals the key to his success: “I was in Barcelona, friend”
They already suffered in 2012 – Agüero’s goal in the 93rd minute to win (3-2) against QPR – and in 2022 – they came back from 0-2 down against Villa with Rodri’s winning goal (3-2) – to ‘champion’. “It will be a tight match. We have to be prepared,” confessed Guardiola. “Hope is there,” said Arteta. The day of judgment has finally arrived.
2024-05-19 05:43:13
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