Wow, it feels like Arsenal won and lost the title seven times yesterday. Arteta’s side did what they do best, eeking out the jammiest of jammy 1-0 wins to maintain their slim Premier League advantage over Guardiola’s City.
Arsenal survive scare of the century in nail-biting win at London Stadium
Arsenal completely dominated possession in the first 20 mins or so, making it seem like a matter of time till they eventually took the lead. But an injury to Ben White sent Arteta into a mental meltdown, as he inexplicably brought on Zubimendi and put midfield powerhouse Rice at right-back. It messed with Arsenal’s flow, as Soucek and co bullied the Spanish central midfielder. Arsenal looked less convincing as the match progressed, though the 2nd half introduction of Martin Oedgaard wrestled back some of the midfield control. Golden Glove winner David Raya was called upon in the 80th minute, sparing Arteta’s blushes as Fernandes bore down on goal. That save swung the momentum back into Arsenal’s favour and it would be the Gunners who took the lead, as Trossard’s arrowed shot took a tiny deflection before nestling in the West Ham net.
But that was just the start of one of the most dramatic passages in Arsenal’s recent history. Man-mountain Gabriel produced a vital block to prevent substitute Callum Wilson from scoring. But the Hammers thought they had equalized from the resultant corner, with Calum Wilson half-volleying the ball over the line. VAR intervened; imploring Chris Kavanuagh go look at the screen for a suspected foul on Raya. Kavanaugh reversed the decision the decision after what felt like an eternity, probably handing the Gunners the title. It’s pretty ironic- considering all their set-piece shenanigans- that Arsenal’s lead was secured following a set-piece infringement. The result essentially nullified City’s professional 3-0 home win against Brentford. Jeremy Doku was once against the difference maker for City, scoring a worldie and causing general chaos in another malevolent showing on the left-hand side.
Stuttgart beat Leverkusen in Champions League showdown
What a difference a week had made in Germany’s Champions League race. Leverkusen appeared to be in the ascendancy after their 4-1 demolition of RB Leipzig, ninjaing their way into that final qualification spot after what has been a turbulent campaign. They travelled to Stuttgart full of confidence and started where they left off against Leipzig, with Alexi Garcia finishing off a swift counterattack with less than 60 secs played! That stung the home team into action, and they responded in quick fashion, with Demirovic finishing smartly after a dizzying bit of Stuttgart interplay. Sebastian Hoeneb’s proactive, technically gifted side took control of the game, with Demirovic tormenting the Leverkusen side with virtually every attack. The Bosnian’s nuisance value came to the fore on the stroke of halftime, as VAR adjudged Tapsoba to have fouled him in the box. Mittelstadt showed proper cojones from the resultant penalty, throwing in a cheeky Panenka in one of the most important games of the season. Undav made sure of all three points in the 58th minute, tapping in from close range after an electrifying cross from Leweling on the right. A win at Eintracht Frankfurt on the final day would guarantee Champions League football for Stuttgart (and they still have a DFB-Pokal Cup final against Bayern to come).
Barcelona clinch 29th La Liga crown on emotional day for Hansi Flick
Barcelona fans couldn’t have asked for a more fitting for their team make it back-to-back La Liga titles, as the Blaugrana outclassed eternal nemesis Real Madrid 2-0 at the Spotify Camp Nou. It was a poignant day for Barca coach Hansi Flick, whose father had passed just hours earlier. Barca appeared determined to get the job done quickly for their manager, as Marcus Rashford’s pinpoint 8th minute freekick set the tone for a stress-free evening. A rout looked on the cards after Barca doubled the lead in the 18th minute, with Ferran Torres finishing neatly after an exquisite backheel from Dani Olmo. Barca continued to dominate the opening stanza but were wasteful in front of goal. Real gave an improved account of themselves in the 2nd half, as Jude Bellingham was at the heart of everything Los Blancos did. Still, the damage was done, as Barca held on to clinch the title in El Clasico (the first time that has happened in almost a century).
The entire spectacle summed up where both clubs are at right now. Hansi Flick kept his emotions together, appearing in the dugout despite the devastating personal loss that he had suffered. Regardless of who is on the field for Barca, there is little doubt that Hansi Flick is the man in charge out there. Real Madrid’s disjointed showing was a direct reflection of their off-the-field drama, as Tchouameni was handed a controversial start despite a training ground bust-up with Federico Valverde. And Mbappe was nowhere to be seen after apparently sustaining a head injury on his own time. There are sections of the Real fanbase who have had enough of the free-scoring Frenchman, with one section signing a petition to get rid of the dynamic Frenchman (they haven’t won a trophy since his mega-money acquisition from PSG). Rumours suggest that Mourinho may be due to make a dramatic comeback in the Real dugout. That would be absolute theatre.
Milan slip up as Italian Champions League race set to go down to the wire
The Rossoneri suffered a huge blow in their Champions League pursuit yesterday, losing 3-2 at home to Atalanta to open the door to both Roma and fairytale-package Como (both of whom won this weekend). The result just added further fuel to the protesters in attendance at the San Siro, who have had enough of the current club hierarchy. Atalanta silenced the San Siro in the first 45 minutes, as Ederson and Zappacosta gave the visitors a 2-0 away lead. The atmosphere got positively toxic just six minutes after the break, as Raspadori made it 3-0 as utter humiliation looked a real possibility. Allegri’s men showed some heart, with Pavlovic netting in the 88th minute before a super-late Nkunku penalty gave the scoreline a semblance of respectability. The result means that just five points separate teams 2-6 in the log, with only the top four assured of Champions League football. Despite a 2-0 loss to Lazio, Napoli sit pretty on 70 points. A resurgent Juve are on 68 points while the Rossoneri sit in 4th on 67, besting Roma- who are also on 67 points- by virtue of a superior head-to-head record. Como are waiting in the wings on 65 points, with winnable fixtures against Parma and Cremonese still to come. Fabregas’ side could still pull this off.
Player of the Week- David Raya
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Raya has been an unsung hero for Arsenal all season, coming up trumps in several key moments. And he did so once again yesterday, saving smartly from Fernandes in a moment that could have tipped the balance of the title race firmly in Arsenal’s favour. This selection isn’t so much for that one moment, but for all the vital saves he has made this season, many of which coming in matches where he was largely a spectator. His ability to suddenly come to life and make season-defining stops has been unparalleled this campaign.
