Arteta Refuses to Back Down as Arsenal Aims to Delay Liverpool’s Title Party
Mikel Arteta has vowed that Arsenal won’t simply step aside and let Liverpool celebrate a Premier League title this Sunday, holding on to the faint hope that the race isn’t over just yet.
Liverpool could officially clinch the title on Easter Sunday if they defeat Leicester and Arsenal slip up against Ipswich—resulting in a 16-point lead with only five games remaining. Even if Arsenal beats Ipswich, a midweek stumble against Crystal Palace or a Liverpool win over Tottenham next weekend would all but secure the trophy for Jurgen Klopp’s side, assuming they take all three points at King Power Stadium.
Determined to spoil Liverpool’s potential title party, Arteta told The Independent that Arsenal will do everything possible to win against Ipswich and keep the title race alive. Meanwhile, Ipswich are battling relegation and fighting for their own Premier League survival.
Arsenal Cling to Slim Title Hopes as Liverpool Close In on Historic 20th League Win
Despite Arteta’s public insistence that Arsenal will fight to the end, the team’s focus has likely shifted toward ensuring Champions League qualification, as Liverpool’s path to a 20th league title looks almost inevitable.
Even if the Gunners pick up back-to-back victories this week, Liverpool only need to equal their results in the next two matches to seal the championship. Youngster Conor Bradley is visibly thrilled at the chance to become a Premier League winner, while Dominik Szoboszlai appears unfazed by Arsenal’s resistance.
Arteta will be hoping to avoid the scenario of giving Liverpool a guard of honour at Anfield on May 11—echoing a painful memory from the 2019/20 season when Arsenal were in the same position after the Reds won the league.
However, Liverpool must remain vigilant. A shaky performance against West Ham last weekend served as a warning, and despite Leicester being on the verge of relegation, Klopp’s side can’t afford to take their foot off the gas. With the title within reach, the Reds will be eager to wrap things up and secure their place in Premier League history.
