Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has called on his team to seize their “destiny” as the battle for the Premier League title reaches a thrilling climax on Sunday.
City, riding high on an eight-game winning streak, hold a two-point lead over second-placed Arsenal heading into the final day of the season.
A victory for City against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium will secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive English title for Guardiola’s side.
Reflecting on the title race, Guardiola emphasized the importance of focusing on their own performance.
“The destiny is in our hands, but if you are thinking that Everton are going to do something, forget about it.
I have seen Arsenal all season,” Guardiola said.
“We just focus on what we have to do against West Ham.
There is not any contamination in my brain about anything other than what we have to do to beat West Ham.”
Arsenal, who have been nearly flawless in 2024 with 15 wins and one draw in 17 league matches, must beat Everton at the Emirates Stadium and hope City fail to win to end their 20-year wait for the title.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, remains hopeful despite the odds.
“We have to give ourselves the opportunity to live a beautiful day on Sunday, where the dream is still alive and is possible”.
Arteta said. “It’s football and once we are there we just have to live the moment.”
Despite the intense competition, Guardiola has defended the Premier League’s excitement and his team’s dominance.
“It’s not boring, it’s difficult,” Guardiola asserted,
Responding to critics who suggest City’s success is due to the financial power of their Abu Dhabi-based owners.
Arsenal have set a club record with 27 Premier League wins this season, but it may not be enough to dethrone City.
The Gunners’ 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa last month looms large in the context of the title race.
In other matches, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will oversee his final game at Anfield after a memorable nine-year tenure, with the Reds guaranteed to finish third regardless of their result against Wolves.
Klopp reflected on his departure, saying, “I love absolutely everything about this place, I do.
I take memories with me, fantastic memories, I take relationships with me forever.”
Manchester United face the risk of missing out on European football after a disappointing season.
Erik ten Hag’s men, currently eighth, must better Newcastle’s result at Brentford when they visit Brighton to avoid finishing outside the top seven for the first time since 1990.
Elsewhere, Tottenham visits relegated Sheffield United needing just a point to secure the fifth spot, while Chelsea can ensure a top-six finish with a draw against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
At the bottom of the table, Luton will be relegated if they fail to beat Fulham or if Nottingham Forest avoid defeat at Burnley.
Even with a win, Luton’s inferior goal difference makes their survival unlikely.
The Premier League fixtures for Sunday, all set to kick off at 4 pm Nigerian time, are:
Arsenal vs. Everton
Brentford vs. Newcastle
Brighton vs. Manchester United
Burnley vs. Nottingham Forest
Chelsea vs. Bournemouth
Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa
Liverpool vs. Wolves
Luton vs. Fulham
Manchester City vs. West Ham
Sheffield United vs. Tottenham
