Thierry Henry expresses a desire for Manchester City to stumble on the last day, offering Arsenal a shot at the Premier League title. However, he doubts Pep Guardiola’s team will falter, given their current form.
Man City only need a victory against West Ham to secure their fourth consecutive title, breaking records. Should they fail to win, Arsenal could seize the opportunity, provided they win against Everton.
Arsenal had led the Premier League for much of the season, but Manchester City regained control of the title race when they defeated Tottenham in their game in hand this week.
Discussing the championship competition ahead of the season’s last day, Arsenal great Henry told BBC Sport: ‘It’s in their hands, and I know how I would have felt. I had, like, [growls].
‘It’s them, I’ve seen them doing it so many times to the [Sergio] Aguero moment, to the Tottenham game the other day to whatever.
‘I’ve seen them not collapsing so it bothers me to think that they will. But the fan on the other side, the fan on the other side is like, “Hey listen, you never know what can happen”.
‘When the ref’s going to blow the whistle, I hope that’s not going to bring me back to reality because reality right now unfortunately for anyone else, is that only the City fans be cocky. Only the City fans can be talking.
‘When you know you can’t back it up, don’t give that look. I give that look if I can back it up. We win? Oh. If we win and we have the trophy, oh don’t come and interview me, I’m going to talk, I’m going to speak a lot.
‘But Man City is a special team. I just hope that they’re not going to win.’
Following his retirement, Henry temporarily worked with Arsenal’s development squads, where he met his current favourite youngster, Bukayo Saka.
Saka has been a crucial player for Arsenal and England over the last four years, and he had another outstanding season for the title contenders, scoring 16 goals and providing nine assists in the Premier League.
‘At the time everyone was talking about other young players like Reiss Nelson. And Bukayo Saka was just… yeah, he’s good,’ Henry added.
‘That’s why I have so much respect for Bukayo and a special place for him; he’s my favourite player.
Despite being second favourites to take the Premier League trophy on Sunday evening, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta maintains the ‘dream is still alive’.
‘I believe,’ Arteta replied. We wanted to be in this situation. We have earned the right to enjoy a magnificent day in front of our fans on Sunday, with the hope and expectation that we will raise the trophy at the end of the match.’
‘We have the opportunity to experience a magnificent day on Sunday in which the dream is still alive and feasible. It’s football; we must live in the present.’
