Arsenal’s simple task just became even simpler: win three matches, win the Premier League. With Manchester City drawing 3-3 at Everton, Arsenal control their Premier League destiny. Pep Guardiola’s side needed to win out to force Arsenal to do the same to finish level on points. They failed. The Gunners no longer need to worry about running up the score to pad the goal difference. Just win, baby.
Win at West Ham.
Beat Burnley at home.
Win at Crystal Palace.
Raise the Premier League trophy.
The Gunners
could have had a tiny bit more wiggle room. Everton were leading 3-2 in the 97th minute of a match in which there had been a minimum of 6 added minutes announced. Unfortunately, perhaps because of Everton’s subs in added time, the play went beyond the 96:00 mark and City won a corner on what would have been their final attack. They were allowed to take the corner and Jeremy Doku scored on a fantastic shot from distance on the second phase of the corner.
For (nearly) all intents and purposes, a Manchester City draw is as good as a City loss, which somewhat eases the sting of City’s late equalizer at the Hill Dickinson. Obviously, any additional points dropped by Manchester City lowers Arsenal’s magic number. Pep Guardiola’s side have a tricky stretch ahead of them:
Brentford on May 9
Crystal Palace on May 13
FA Cup Final against Chelsea on May 16
@Bournemouth on May 19th
Aston Villa on May 24th
That’s a 4 matches in 11 days stretch, with the trickiest one, away to Bournemouth coming last (plus Aston Villa on the final day). I’m sure none of you have forgotten that the Cherries beat Arsenal a few weeks ago to help re-open the door for Manchester City. Andoni Iraola’s side are still in the hunt for a European finish and might even hunt down Aston Villa for the final Champions League place. Don’t count out Brentford, either. The Bees are in the thick of the battle for a European finish. Manchester City winning their remaining Premier League matches is not a fait accompli, as Everton demonstrated today.
As an aside, if Aston Villa’s Champions League hopes end up riding on getting a win at Manchester City on the last day, do you have any faith in Unai Emery in that one? Of all of Manchester City’s remaining matches, I feel most confident that they’re going to beat Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on the final day.
Fortunately, Arsenal don’t have to count on our old “pal” Unai to do them a solid. The Gunners don’t have to scoreboard-watch any of Manchester City’s remaining matches, praying for a favor from one of their Premier League compatriots. Today was the favor. Thank you, Everton.
If City drop points against either Brentford or Crystal Palace (unlikely but possible), Arsenal could win the league at home against Burnley. How great would that be? After all the heartbreak, it would be beyond special to do the thing at home.
It would also be pretty neat for Arsenal to storm their way through the final matches of the season. Blow the doors off West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace in a three-match coronation that leaves no doubt. Remind everyone just how incredible this side are. Plenty have forgotten. They were celebrating our apparent downfall. C’mon Arsenal, shut ‘em up.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. We’d all take it however it comes. Arsenal still have to take care of business. Nothing is given in the Premier League. West Ham need all the points they can manage. Burnley would love to play spoiler, as would Crystal Palace. None of them are going to roll over.
The Premier League title is within reach. It is there for the taking. Will Arsenal grab it?
Editor’s Note: after writing this, I’ve knocked on every piece of wood within reach, crossed all my fingers and toes, prayed to a number of different deities, and so on. I’m open and willing to perform any and all other suggested anti-jinx measures. Big money, no whammies!
