Arteta backs Bournemouth to help Arsenal edge closer to Premier League title

Mikel Arteta said he will be the “biggest ever” Bournemouth fan as Arsenal wait on Manchester City’s result.
Arsenal moved closer to the Premier League title with a tense 1-0 win over Burnley.
City must beat Bournemouth to keep the title race alive before the final weekend.

Mikel Arteta admitted he will become Bournemouth’s biggest supporter for one night as Arsenal edge closer to a first Premier League title in more than two decades.

Arsenal’s nervy 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday night ensured the title race remains firmly in their hands heading into the final week of the season.

Now attention turns to Manchester City, who must beat AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday to stop Arsenal being crowned champions before the final day.

Asked whether he would temporarily become a Bournemouth fan, Arteta smiled and replied: “The biggest ever.

“I think we are all supporters of Bournemouth because we know what it means.”

Arsenal are now within touching distance of ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League crown after Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal against Burnley.

But it was another tense evening at the Emirates Stadium, following last week’s equally narrow victory over West Ham United, and Arteta admitted the pressure of the title race is beginning to take its toll.

“I thought the amount of hair that I have was never going to go away, but this job is going to test it to the limit,” Arteta joked.

“I don’t know how long I’m going to watch it, but I will be there in front of the TV.

“I planned to watch it with my family but I don’t know for how long.”

Regardless of City’s result against Bournemouth, Arsenal know victory away to Crystal Palace on the final day of the campaign would secure their first league title since the famous Invincibles season in 2004.

The mood around the Emirates has shifted dramatically in recent weeks, with belief steadily replacing anxiety as Arteta’s side continue to grind out results under mounting pressure.

Now Arsenal’s title hopes rest, at least temporarily, in Bournemouth’s hands.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.