Arsenal stay top heading into the last few games of the season, but a blow to their prospects has struck at a very bad moment, as Manchester City profit.
Arsenal will need some support if they want to win the Premier League title with the points totals out of their control. Winning their final three games may not be enough, as City must win four games to accumulate 12 points in order to retain their crown for another season and deny the Gunners a second consecutive campaign.
City, on the other hand, still has some difficult games ahead of them, including a trip to Tottenham, and Arsenal fans aren’t expecting much from their north London rivals. However, the matches with West Ham on the last day and Wolves this weekend provide additional hope.
West Ham has 13 points from the ‘Big Six’ this season, despite losing to Manchester City in east London early in the year. Meanwhile, Wolves have 15 points from their ‘Big Six’ games, including a surprising 2-1 victory against Manchester City.
However, that hope has suffered a setback as Wolves’ outstanding head coach Gary O’Neil received a sanction that will take effect when they face Guardiola’s team this weekend. The Football Association has issued the former Bournemouth coach an immediate one-match touchline suspension.
The punishment stems from being found guilty of inappropriate behaviour in a loss to West Ham five matches earlier. The timing is terrible for the Gunners, who will be disappointed that the result came at such a crucial point in the season.
Max Kilman’s stoppage-time equaliser was ruled off following a VAR check, prompting O’Neil to term the judgement “scandalous” and “horrendous” and even approaching official Tony Harrington in the official’s room, according to the Telegraph. This actions and language in and around the match officials’ changing room was judged inappropriate and/or intimidating.
Wolves will be aware that their victory earlier in the season was unusual in recent years. City had won the previous six encounters between the two teams, scoring 19 goals in those games.
Arsenal will hope, however, that a miracle occurs and Wolves repeat their legendary league double against the champs, which they accomplished in 2019. A 3-2 victory at home thanks to late goals from Raul Jimenez and Matt Doherty was followed by another smash-and-grab when Adama Traore scored twice after the 80th minute at the Etihad stadium.
Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be hoping for a favour as they go to the northwest, knowing that O’Neil will not be watching from the sidelines. Arsenal will face Bournemouth at midday on Saturday, followed by Manchester City versus Wolves at 5:30pm UK time.
