Arsenal opened a “box of dreams” by defeating Manchester United to take the Premier League title race to the final day of the season, according to a relieved Mikel Arteta.
Leandro Trossard’s 20th-minute goal proved enough for a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford but there were several nervy moments for the Gunners in the second half in particular.
The result moved Arsenal back above Manchester City into top spot ahead of their final game at the Emirates against Everton next weekend, but Pep Guardiola’s team have a game in hand.
“I’m really, really happy, obviously,” said Arteta. “Everything is at stake, you have no margin for error since January, you have to keep winning and winning and winning.
“Today we have to play at a really special place that our history wasn’t very optimistic about what could happen but we found a way to win it and that says a lot about how much the team wants it.
“You know what the consequences are to a draw. I felt the team in a really good space before the game, we started the game well, we scored the goal, but that goal I think it touched something.
“We started to play too safe. I didn’t like it and we had to change that, and when we wanted to change that we struggled to do it. If you don’t have that element, you have to be extraordinary competing and doing the defensive things right, and I thought on that we were excellent again.”
To add extra intrigue, City’s game in hand on Tuesday is against Arsenal’s bitter rivals Tottenham, but Arteta will be extremely proud of his players and staff whatever the outcome of the season.
“My experience in this league the last 20 years is that any team can beat any team,” said the Gunners’ boss. “The honesty and the respect that everybody puts into the games is phenomenal.
“We know we need a result – we need to do our thing still in the last game – but today we really wanted to knock that door and open that box of dreams to live the last day of the season in front of our people with the opportunity to win the Premier League.
“That’s something we’re going to live together and I’m so pleased we’re going to do it with these players and staff. It’s 27 wins in the Premier League, it’s the most in the history of this football club in 130 years. That’s not progress, that’s history.”
Injury-hit United’s only victory in their last eight league games came against bottom side Sheffield United, while they went into this contest on the back of Monday’s 4-0 hammering by Crystal Palace.
This was at least an improvement and boss Erik ten Hag said: “I don’t like reactions, you have to be always there, you have to be always spot on when you are Man United, but, yeah, if it happens, you need a reaction and the players gave the reaction.”
Asked whether looking at the positives from a home defeat showed how low United have sunk, the Dutchman added: “It shouldn’t be like this, you are absolutely right, but then I return to all the problems we have.
“When you analyse the performance, you have to see then that we were competitive. That is not the way we want of course, United have to win every game, but at this moment as a club we are not in this position, and definitely not this team with all the injuries we have.”
United remain three points behind Newcastle and Chelsea in the race for European football and could need to beat City in the FA Cup final to avoid missing out altogether.
“It’s very damaging but that is the situation we are in,” said Ten Hag. “But still we can get there, we have the opportunities, so we have to take the responsibility. We have to fight, even when the problems are massive.”
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 4 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 9 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 10 Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction 25 May 2025