Arsenal are still hoping to win the Premier League title this season, but need Manchester City to slip up, with boss Mikel Arteta also running the risk of dealing his side a huge blow
Arsenal still have a chance of winning the Premier League title, even if they are now relying on fierce rivals Tottenham to do so.
The Gunners must win their final two matches and hope title rivals Manchester City slip up in their game in hand with Spurs if they are to finish top of the table. Their final game will be the visit of Everton, but Arsenal could be without boss Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard is walking a suspension tightrope heading into the final fortnight of the campaign and is at risk of being handed a touchline ban. Elsewhere, former flop Nicolas Pepe is set to become a free agent this season.
And former title winner Micah Richards believes that City have been handed an advantage in the title race by the fixture schedulers. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Arsenal news.
Arteta risks final-day blow
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could miss his side’s final game of the Premier League season against Everton. The Spaniard has picked up five yellow cards over the course of the current campaign.
If he picks up one more, then he will be forced to serve a one-match touchline ban. The Gunners boss has already had to sit out one game due to suspension, as he missed the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa in December.
Top-flight managers are punished for every three yellow cards they get and Arteta has the worst disciplinary record of any boss this season. He was booked against Fulham, Luton and Brighton, as well as both matches against Chelsea.
Read the latest on Arteta’s suspension situation.
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Richards points out City advantage
Former title winner Micah Richards reckons a vital fixture change has played into the hands of Manchester City and wrecked Arsenal’s hopes of Premier League glory. Richards believes that the fact that City’s clash with Spurs has been delayed has boosted Pep Gaurdiola’s side.
“You look at City who have Spurs away as well, but the rest of those games you are thinking they will probably win. Spurs away, their record there is not that great in recent time; it’s hotting up. But I just think Man City have the edge,” he told The Rest Is Football podcast.
“If Spurs had played Man City three weeks ago, City fans would have been a bit more nervous but Spurs are giving up too many goals. If they try and play that high line against Man City they’re going to get absolutely battered. They are going to have to change a little.”
Read Richards’ full thoughts on the title race.
Arsenal flop set to become free agent
Former Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe is set to leave Trabzonspor and become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of June. The 28-year-old joined the Gunners for a club record £72million in 2019, but failed to live up to his price tag.
He was sent on loan to Nice last season before being released by Arsenal in the summer. That allowed him to complete a move to Trabzonspor, though his time in Turkey has also proved to be a disaster.
At one point, he went four months without starting a game as he struggle to make an impact. Having netted just once in his last six appearances, Trabzonspor are preparing to release him.
Read the latest on Pepe’s transfer.
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