Arteta says City clash will not decide Premier League title

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City will not decide the Premier League title despite the importance placed on the game. Arsenal travel to Etihad having drawn their last three games against Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton in disappointing circumstances.

Those results, coupled with the fact that City has won their last five in the Premier League and also have two games in hand, have made a lot believe that the clash will be a decider for the Premier League title depending on who wins the match.

Unfortunately, Arsenal are yet to get a victory against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium since their 2-0 win in January 2015, and with the odds against the Gunners, Arteta believes the remaining five games after are as important.

“If we win tomorrow, we have not won the league. It will probably shift the percentage, but five games in this league is very tricky still. We knew we had to go to Etihad, it will be difficult, but will it decide the season? No. The belief is there; I look at how the players reacted after Southampton; they defended each other in every moment. We really want it, and we are again going to show it tomorrow,” Arteta said.

There are only four points between Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, with Arsenal still to play Chelsea, Brighton, and Newcastle in their run-in.

Meanwhile, there are fitness problems for Arsenal, as Arteta confirmed on Tuesday that Defender William Saliba will be out for the rest of the season due to injury.

However, Manchester City still can win the treble this season as they have a Manchester derby in the FA Cup final against Manchester United and will face Real Madrid in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League while standing a chance of winning the Premier League title.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu