Mikel Arteta joked he will become Bournemouth’s “biggest ever” fan as Arsenal wait to see if Manchester City slip up in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal moved to within touching distance of their first league title in 22 years after beating Burnley 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game, heading in from Bukayo Saka’s corner in the first half.
The result means Arsenal can be crowned champions on Tuesday night if Bournemouth prevent Manchester City from winning at the Vitality Stadium. A draw or defeat for Pep Guardiola’s side would hand the Gunners the title before the final day.
Asked if he would be supporting Bournemouth for the next 24 hours, Arteta smiled and replied: “The biggest ever.”
AFC Bournemouth 
Manchester City FC The Arsenal manager also praised Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and his players, insisting they will need no extra motivation.
“Andoni, and all the players and all the supporters of Bournemouth, I think we are all fans because we know what it means if they get a result,” Arteta said.
“I don’t think a text to Iraola is needed. What he’s done in that football club, the transformation, what they are playing for, I don’t think they need anything else.”
Bournemouth have not lost at home in eight matches since their 3-2 defeat to Arsenal on January 3, giving the Gunners hope that City could be made to suffer.
Arteta admitted he plans to watch the match at home with his family, although he is unsure how much of it he will be able to handle.
“I will be there in front of the TV, but I don’t know how much I am going to be able to watch it,” he said.
Arsenal still have one league match remaining against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, but they could travel there already crowned champions if City fail to win.
It could be the start of a historic finish to the season for Arteta’s side, who also face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30.
After the Burnley win, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard thanked the supporters during the club’s final home match of the season.
“I am really proud. It has been an amazing season so far,” Odegaard said. “We have one big one left and then the Champions League final and we want to take the trophies home.”
Burnley rarely threatened to spoil Arsenal’s afternoon, but the visitors were frustrated that Havertz avoided a red card for a high challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu.
Interim boss Mike Jackson felt the decision could have changed the game.
“It is a red card,” Jackson said. “It is dangerous, he is leaving the floor, and it is cynical foul to break up play.”
For Arsenal, though, the focus now shifts to Bournemouth. If City drop points, the Gunners’ long wait for Premier League glory will finally be over.
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