Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a clear message to his squad and the club's supporters: stay present and live the moment. With the Gunners on the precipice of a historic achievement, the Spaniard is demanding total focus as they navigate a season-defining final stretch that could yield both the Premier League title and the Champions League trophy.
The north London club currently sit five points clear of Manchester City at the summit of the English top flight. Crucially, Pep Guardiola's side, who have a game in hand, face a congested fixture list that includes the FA Cup final against Chelsea. Arsenal's path is simpler but no less daunting: three wins from their final three matches would secure a first league championship in 22 years, ending a drought that has defined a generation of the club's history.
Their next test comes on Sunday against a West Ham side locked in a desperate relegation battle. The Hammers, sitting 18th and one point from safety, will be fighting for their Premier League lives at the London Stadium. Arteta acknowledged the high spirits following their midweek European success but stressed that the team's "energy and detail" is now solely on collecting three points against their London rivals.
That midweek success was monumental. Arsenal reached their first Champions League final in two decades by overcoming Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate. They will face Paris St-Germain in Budapest on May 30, a date that now looms large on the calendar. The achievement sparked wild celebrations at the Emirates Stadium, a reaction that drew both praise and criticism from pundits. Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney suggested the scenes were "a little bit too much," while Arsenal legend Ian Wright defended the players' and fans' right to enjoy the moment.
For Arteta, who has already won the FA Cup and two Community Shields during his tenure, the challenge is managing the euphoria and channeling it into performance. "We are closer and closer and everything that we do now is going to matter to win it or not," he stated in his pre-match press conference. His instruction to his team is to "show the same level of energy, hunger and desire that we have showed all season or more."
Meanwhile, Manchester City's pursuit was hampered by a surprising 3-3 draw with Everton. City led 1-0 before conceding three times in a chaotic 13-minute spell in the second half. A stunning second goal from Jeremy Doku salvaged a point, but it was a rare stumble in what has been an 11-game unbeaten run that dragged them back into the title conversation. Guardiola's side now host Brentford on Saturday, knowing any dropped points could hand Arsenal a decisive advantage.
At the bottom of the table, the stakes are equally high for West Ham. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who only took charge a few weeks after being sacked by Nottingham Forest, believes the home support at London Stadium can be a decisive factor. "There is no hiding - being at home is good for us," Nuno said. "Especially recently, our fans are giving us extra, so they've been really helpful."
The Hammers' recent form has been a rollercoaster. Two wins and a draw in April boosted their survival hopes, but a 3-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend, coupled with Tottenham's victory over Aston Villa, plunged them back into the bottom three. Their remaining fixtures after Arsenal include trips to Newcastle and a final-day home clash with Leeds.
Tottenham, now outside the relegation zone on goal difference, face Leeds on Monday. Nottingham Forest, in 16th, host Newcastle on Sunday. The battle to avoid the drop is poised on a knife-edge, adding another layer of drama to a Premier League season that has been captivating from start to finish.
For Arsenal, the equation is simple but the execution will be fraught with pressure. A potential double of league and European glory would represent one of the greatest seasons in the club's storied history. Arteta's call for presence is a reminder that the job is not yet done. Every pass, every tackle, and every decision in the coming weeks will be magnified under the intense spotlight of a title race and a Champions League final.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
