Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has relished taking the Premier League title race to the final matchday after Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United in the penultimate fixture on Sunday, May 12.
The high-flying North London outfit broke the deadlock at Old Trafford, securing their second win in their last 17 visits to the Theatre of Dreams.
Leandro Trossard scored the only goal in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Casemiro to hand the Gunners a deserved lead and more so, a match-winner.
It was an unimpressive showing for the Arteta-led side after taking the lead as United dominated the game in search of an equaliser going forward.
Alejandro Garnacho was a constant threat on the wings but the Gunners did due diligence to salvage a crucial victory, thanks to Saliba and Magalhaes’ prolific defending.
The win saw the Gunners overtake Manchester City in the Premier League top with a point but have played a game more. They will now count on their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to force City to drop points to stand a chance of winning the title.
Whatever the outcome of City’s outstanding match against Tottenham Hotspur in mid-week, Arsenal’s narrow win over Manchester United have taken the race for the Premier League title to the final matchday where they will take on Everton at home while Manchester City host West Ham.
Speaking after the Man United win, Mikel Arteta relished his sides’ doggedness in waging a formidable title challenge and leaving it to the final run-in.
According to him, it is a phenomenal thing that his side have accomplished such feat and a big emotional boost.
“Today we wanted to knock on that door and open that box of dreams and play in front of our people with an opportunity to win the Premier League on the final day.
”Some of the players have not been in this position, they don’t know what is at stake and how you feel emotionally to have to win and win and win from December or January. It is a phenomenal thing they are doing,” he said as quoted by The Mail.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have improved immensely this season. Last term, the Gunners finished as runners-up but were pipped to the title earlier in the campaign by Manchester City.
A consistent run of wins and improved performances has kept the team afloat in the title race this term with projections Arteta could end the club’s 20-year wait for their first Premier League title.
However, such will be dependent on whether Manchester City drop points or not in their last two remaining fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
