Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken about Bournemouth ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium tonight.
The Gunners went five points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side at the top of the table following a slender 1-0 win over Burnley at home. Kai Havertz scored the winner in the 37th minute.
Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked whether he would be a Bournemouth fan, considering a draw or defeat for Man City tonight would seal a long-awaited title for the Gunners.
In response, he said that he would be the ‘biggest ever’ and added that it is a huge game for his close friend Andoni Iraola, given that the Cherries are on the cusp of European football.
He said: “The biggest ever. For Andoni [Iraola] and all the players, and all the people who are supporters of Bournemouth, I think we all are. We know that means tomorrow they get our support.”
When asked whether he would talk with Iraola, Arteta said that the 43-year-old tactician knows the job at hand ahead of his final home game for the Cherries before his summer departure.
He added: “I don’t think he needs it. What he’s done in that football club, the transformation, and what they are playing for, I don’t think they need anything else. When you look at how Burnley played today, the spirit that they showed, how difficult they made it, so imagine tomorrow.”
Arsenal suffered a huge setback in the title race after back-to-back losses to Bournemouth and Man City after the international break, but have since responded with four straight wins.
Man City, on the other hand, dropped costly points in a 3-3 draw against Everton on the road. The Gunners have their title destiny in their own hands despite Man City’s extra match.
The title could well be sealed tonight if the Cherries manage to surprise the Cityzens. The South Coast outfit are on a sensational 17-match unbeaten run which has propelled them to sixth.
They are just four points ahead of an out-of-form Liverpool for the final Champions League spot and will no doubt be motivated to achieve that target with another victory in front of their fans.
Iraola will also want to leave the Cherries on a high note. The Spaniard has confirmed that he will depart when his contract expires this summer, and a home win would be a perfect send-off.
Man City still can’t be taken lightly. With Guardiola set to leave this summer, they will be determined to take the title race to the final matchday by ending Bournemouth’s unbeaten streak.
Stats from Transfermarkt
