Manchester City are on the brink of a historic fourth successive Premier League title, but Arsenal are hoping for a dramatic twist on the final day of the season.
Pep Guardiola’s dominant side enters the last matchday with a two-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, fueled by an eight-game winning streak. City, hosting West Ham, are hot favourites to secure the title and set a new standard in English football.
Arsenal, playing at home against Everton, have been nearly flawless in 2024, with 15 wins and one draw in 17 league matches. However, their costly 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa last month might prove decisive in this thrilling title race.
Man City have been relentless, dropping only six points since mid-December with draws against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal. As they close in on a sixth title in seven seasons under Guardiola, questions have arisen about the competitiveness of the Premier League. Guardiola refutes claims that City’s dominance is solely due to their financial power.
“It’s not boring, it’s difficult,” Guardiola stated, pointing out that Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal have spent as much money in the last five years. “They should be there. They are not there.”
David Moyes, managing West Ham for the last time at the Etihad Stadium, offered little hope to Arsenal fans, suggesting it would be challenging to stop even City’s youth team from winning the title.
Arsenal, needing a win and a City slip-up, must beat Everton to keep their title dreams alive. Mikel Arteta’s squad has set a club record with 27 Premier League wins this season, but it might not suffice to dethrone City.
“We have to give ourselves the opportunity to live a beautiful day on Sunday, where the dream is still alive and is possible,” Arteta said. “It’s football, and once we are there, we just have to live the moment.”
Man United Face European Exile
Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp will bid an emotional farewell at the end of his memorable nine-year tenure, with the Reds set to finish third regardless of their result against Wolves.
“I spoke before about how hard it will be to say goodbye,” Klopp said. “I love absolutely everything about this place, I do. I take memories with me, fantastic memories, I take relationships with me forever.”
Manchester United risk missing out on European football altogether after a dismal season. Erik ten Hag’s side sits eighth and must better Newcastle’s result at Brentford when they visit Brighton to avoid finishing outside the top seven for the first time since 1990.
Tottenham visit relegated Sheffield United needing a point to guarantee a fifth spot, while in-form Chelsea can secure a top-six finish with a draw against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
The top six teams will qualify for Europe, while a seventh position could be enough if Manchester United do not upset City in next week’s FA Cup final.
Relegation Battle
At the bottom, Luton will be relegated if they fail to beat Fulham or if Nottingham Forest avoid defeat at Burnley. Even with a win and a Forest loss, Luton’s vastly inferior goal difference means they would need a miracle to survive.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
