“In football there are always possibilities.”
Those were the words of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after their nervy 1-0 victory at Manchester United returned them to the top of the Premier League table and kept the title race alive heading into the final week of the season.
The Gunners are now one point clear of second-placed Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand against Tottenham on Tuesday.
Whatever the result of that game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Arsenal’s win at Old Trafford does ensure the battle for the title will go down to the last day.
“Today we wanted to open that gate,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “In front of our people let’s live one of the most beautiful days that we have lived together.
“We will be sat watching the game [between Tottenham and Manchester City] and it’s true we need the result in order to achieve it.”
What do the stats say about Arsenal’s chances?
According to Opta, Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League now stand at 41.3%, while Manchester City remain favourites on 58.7%.
The Gunners had just a 23.6% chance prior to Sunday’s game – and after City won 4-0 at Fulham – illustrating the significance of their victory against United.
Arsenal host Everton on the final day of the season and City are at home to West Ham (both Sunday, 19 May at 16:00 BST).
However, a word of warning to whoever goes into the last round of fixtures trailing – no team in Premier League history has ever begun the final day in second place and gone on to win the title.
That leaves Arsenal in the bizarre situation of cheering on their biggest rivals Spurs when they face the reigning champions on Tuesday.
Credit: bbc.com
