Always the bridesmaid no more – Arsenal’s title is there for the taking

MAY 10, 2026 will forever be a significant date for Arsenal fans. It is the date that pretty much confirms that the Premier League title is heading to the Emirates.

Always teased for being the bridesmaid but never the bride – Arsenal will go to the final game of the season against Crystal Palace full of confidence.

Mikel Arteta’s squad now have a two-point advantage after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

As usual, attacks entertain fans, but defence wins championships. David Raya might be the talk of the match against West Ham, but without Raya, Arsenal might not have won the game.

Raya made a decisive save against Mateus Fernandes to keep the score at nil-nil before Leandro Trossard got the winner.

The end of the game was controversial, but it was a foul on Raya. Yes, City fans can moan about Arsenal doing the same thing to other goalkeepers throughout the season, but we have VAR now, and that is what it is there for.

City are doing their best to ensure that the title race goes on until the final day with a comprehensive victory against Brentford.

Jeremy Doku continued his good run of form with another goal to break the deadlock after a nil-nil first half.

This opened up the floodgates for Erling Haaland to get a goal and an assist. A three-nil scoreline helped with the goal difference and could be an important factor in deciding the title race.

In an earlier kickoff on Saturday, Arne Slot only needed a victory against Chelsea to secure next season’s Champions League spot.

Instead, the team under the caretaker management of Calum McFarlane left Anfield with one point, stopping a run of six consecutive defeats.

In fact, Liverpool were fortunate to share the points with Chelsea after another woeful performance overall, which resulted in boos from the Anfield faithful.

It is not often you see the Kopites jeer their own manager, but perhaps it has come to a point of no return between the loyal supporters and Slot.

This is the same manager who gave Igor Tudor’s Tottenham their only point during his short tenure.

One could say that Slot is tactically out of depth and has lost the locker room, as his players are definitely not playing for him.

Chelsea officially outran an opponent in a Premier League match for the very first time this season. Chelsea covered an estimated distance of 103.6km, slightly edging out the 102.9km Liverpool covered. Incredibly, prior to this match, the Blues had been outrun in all 35 of their previous league games this season. Is this not a telling sign for FSG?

The fans have a lot to worry about because Slot has another year left in his contract, and the Dutch manager would want to win back the fans next season.

One doubts it will happen as the relationship between the manager and the fans is at a trust deficit.

While Liverpool only need a single point to ensure qualification next season, they should be wary of the rising Bournemouth.

It will be pandemonium if the Cherries pipped Liverpool to a Champions League spot.

Based on current form, however, Andoni Iraola’s team totally deserved it as another one-nil victory continues the South Coast club’s unbeaten run.

Rayan got the winning goal and proved to be another gem discovered by the Cherries’ scouting team.

Expect Bournemouth to profit from his sale in a couple of years’ time, and do not be surprised if Liverpool are one of the clubs that come knocking.