The leaders haven’t won the title in more than 20 years. Yet very few neutrals are excited about seeing them as new champions
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hat was striking after Arsenal’s grim 1-0 win at Brighton on Wednesday was less Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler’s attack on the Gunners’ style than the way his criticism seemed to resonate. In England, it feels as though almost nobody, other than Arsenal supporters or anyone-but-City fans, wants them to win the title.
“If I would ask everyone in the room: ‘Did you really enjoy this football game?’ I’m sure maybe one raises his arm because he’s a big Arsenal fan but, besides that, no chance,” Hürzeler said.
Successful sides always generate a degree of distaste. There probably hasn’t been a league champion who hasn’t felt in some way like the country is against them and that they don’t get the credit they deserve in the press. It shouldn’t be forgotten that a Manchester City fan invaded the press box at Wembley during the 2019 FA Cup final as his side beat Watford 6-0 to complain that the media were against them.
