Hello. If you’re going to win your first title in 22 years, you might as well slay a few demons en route. Arsenal’s traumatic collapse in the 2022-23 season, their first title challenge under Mikel Arteta, gathered pace during a 2-2 draw at West Ham in which they lost a two-goal lead and Bukayo Saka missed a penalty.
Arsenal have scored 11 goals on their two subsequent visits to the London Stadium – but a scruffy 1-0 win today would be far more meaningful. Many people, including Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, think the title race will be over if Arsenal get the job done today.
On paper they have a tougher fixture on the final day, away to 15th-placed Crystal Palace. But while Palace are almost certainly safe – and play their first European final three days after the Arsenal game – West Ham are fighting for their Premier League lives.
They’re a point behind Spurs, who play Leeds tomorrow, and have an inferior goal difference. The atmosphere at the London Stadium hasn’t always been the best, but it will surely be ferocious come kick-off time.
It’s close to a must-win game for both teams, which means something has to give. A helluva lot has to give.
