Arsenal edged closer to their first Premier League title in 22 years with a dramatic 2-1 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners, known for their nerve-shredding style, left it late to secure three points, with the winning goal coming after a contentious VAR review that overturned West Ham's added-time equalizer.
The match followed a familiar pattern for Arsenal this season: dominance, frustration, and a late twist. After taking the lead through a first-half goal, Arsenal allowed West Ham to level in stoppage time. However, referee Chris Kavanagh, after consulting the pitchside monitor, disallowed the equalizer for a foul in the buildup, sparking debate among pundits and fans.
"Probably today I have realised how difficult and how big is the referee's job," said Mikel Arteta, who acknowledged the fine margins. "Because you're talking about a moment that can decide the history, the course, of two massive clubs that are fighting with their lives to achieve their objectives."
With the win, Arsenal now sit two victories away from lifting the trophy. Their remaining fixtures are against Burnley, the second-worst team in the league, and a Crystal Palace side that may be distracted by their upcoming European final. But as the Guardian notes, this Arsenal team "doesn't really do straightforward."
The emotional toll on fans is immense. The Guardian described the experience as being "fed feet-first through the emotional wood-chipper," a sentiment that resonates with supporters who have endured decades of near-misses. Arteta, however, remains focused. "The only thing that matters is now and the present and making it happen on the day," he said. "There are two more to go. The only focus is Burnley."
Meanwhile, Manchester City's title hopes hang by a thread. Pep Guardiola's side play Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, and anything less than a convincing win could effectively end their challenge. City also face Bournemouth and Aston Villa in their final games, both of whom are chasing European qualification.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner downplayed any notion of easing up. "I'm not responsible for Arsenal and I'm not responsible for Manchester City," he said. "I'm responsible for Crystal Palace and I get paid for doing the best things for Crystal Palace." Despite his comments, Palace's priority may be their upcoming final, potentially weakening their lineup against both title contenders.
Arsenal's path to glory seems straightforward on paper, but their recent history suggests otherwise. The team's ability to create anxiety even in routine situations has become a hallmark. Yet, with the finish line in sight, Arteta's men have shown resilience in grinding out results.
The title race now hinges on whether Arsenal can handle the pressure of the run-in. If they win their next two, the 22-year wait will be over. If not, City could still snatch the crown. For now, the ball is in Arsenal's court, and the emotional rollercoaster is set for its final turns.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.
