“If it goes down to the last day, I reckon Arsenal win it” - West Ham star’s old title prediction resurfaces ahead of final game vs Manchester City
The Premier title race between Arsenal and Manchester City will be decided on the final weekend of the season. Ahead of the Cityzens' clash with West Ham United on Sunday, May 19, an old prediction from Hammers forward Michail Antonio has resurfaced.
Speaking on BBC’s Footballer’s Football Podcast earlier this month, the attacker predicted that Arsenal would pip Manchester City to the Premier League title if the battle went to the last matchday.
"I wouldn’t call Arsenal bottle jobs if they lose this title, I wouldn’t,’ he said at the time. "If it goes down to the last day, I reckon Arsenal win it. Last game of the season, we have something to play for as well, Man City away."
Manchester City took a massive step towards the title when they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in their most recent league game. Pep Guardiola's men now need to beat West Ham to seal the title as they currently lead Arsenal by two points with one game to go.
Speaking in the wake of the Spurs result, ex-City defender Micah Richards backed his former club to come out on top in the title race. Asked whether the Hammers could upset the defending champions, Richards told Sky Sports:
"No. That’s no disrespect to West Ham. I’ve been in that stadium on the last days – the [Ilkay] Gundogan moment, the QPR moment with [Sergio] Aguero, the fans… I just think Man City.
"I think the game will be difficult, I don’t think it will be a 2-0 or 3-0 because West Ham have got some very good players. But I think Man City will get the job done."
While Manchester City will face West Ham at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Arsenal will play Everton at the Emirates, with both fixtures set to kick off at the same time (8.30pm IST).
How the Premier League table looks like right now as Arsenal-Manchester City title race enters last matchweek
As it stands, Pep Guardiola's men sit at the summit of the Premier League table with 88 points in 37 games. They've recorded 27 wins, seven draws and three defeats, scoring 93, conceding 33 and left with a +60 goal difference.
Arsenal follow closely with 86 points, having won 27, drawn five and lost five of their games so far. They've scored 89 goals and conceded 28, leaving them with a +61 goal difference. Liverpool and Aston Villa complete the top four with 79 and 68 points respectively.
Elsewhere, the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Newcastle United continue to battle for the next three spots while Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United are on course to be relegated to the Championship.