The Champions went on to win the match 2-0 thanks to an Erling Haaland brace, opening a two-point gap between themselves and the Gunners in second place. Anything other than three points would have left Arsenal as favourites to win the league, but now Pep Guardiola’s side must slip up for Mikel Arteta’s men to lift the trophy.
Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in the final round of Premier League matches. The London outfit must beat the 15th-placed Toffees to keep any remaining hopes of league triumph alive.
Meanwhile, in the North West, West Ham visit Manchester City at the Etihad as the hosts look to win a fourth successive league title. Victory would secure Manchester City that achievement.
The Hammers sit in ninth place with no hopes of European qualification this term. Striker Michail Antonio had previously said that the chance to play abroad next season would be enough motivation for an upset.
He told the Footballer’s Football Podcast: “If it goes down to the last day, I reckon Arsenal wins it. Last game of the season, we have something to play for as well, we’re trying to get into Europe, Man City away.”
Those European hopes are now gone for the Hammers, but there is still motivation for a giant-killing at the Etihad. Not only is it David Moyes’ last match in charge of the club, but there is £2.2 million of prize money windfall on the line for West Ham.
Last summer, The Mirror reported on the prize money given out by the Premier League. Every place in the table is worth £2.2 million more than the spot below and, in a climate where Profit and Sustainability Rules are tight, that extra money is certainly motivation for the Hammers.
A win over Manchester City could see West Ham finish in eighth, should Manchester United lose both of their tricky fixtures against Newcastle United tonight and against Brighton on Sunday. Last season, eighth-placed Spurs took home £154.6 million while ninth-placed Brentford netted £152.4 million.
If West Ham beat the Champions, an Arsenal victory over Everton would bring the title to London. Should City draw, and Arsenal win, the Gunners will clinch the title on goal difference.
