Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the Premier League title is finally over. Rivals Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Tuesday night in what is expected to be Pep Guardiola’s penultimate game in charge. The dramatic result on the south coast leaves Mikel Arteta’s men four points clear of City. Consequently, the Gunners will lift the trophy at Crystal Palace on Sunday before the final round of matches.
Guardiola Future Casts Shadow Over City Collapse
Build-up to the fixture had been entirely overshadowed by reports that Guardiola will step down at the end of the season. The manager told broadcasters before kick-off that speculation had “absolutely zero” impact on his squad. However, his side were completely outplayed and outfought by a brilliant Bournemouth team. The Cherries extended their impressive unbeaten run to 17 matches under Andoni Iraola.
Teenage striking sensation Eli Junior Kroupi ignited the home crowd by curling in a sublime opening goal six minutes before half-time. City struggled for fluency but rallied late in the second half. Striker Erling Haaland scored a 95th-minute equaliser to salvage a point after Rodri had previously struck the post. That said, the late draw was not enough to keep City’s faint title hopes alive.
End of an Era for Manchester City
If Guardiola’s trophy-filled tenure is drawing to a close, he will finish with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this term. The 55-year-old will leave having won six Premier League titles during his decade in Manchester. However, this marks the first time in his career that he has gone two consecutive seasons without finishing top. Enzo Maresca is reportedly waiting in the wings to take over the hot seat this summer.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth are celebrating potential Champions League qualification after a magnificent performance. The result leaves the Cherries three points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool with one game remaining. A sixth-place finish could still offer a Champions League spot depending on European tournament outcomes this week. Iraola will leave the club with at least Europa League football secured for next term.
The home supporters chanted for the Spaniard to stay for one more year. However, Bournemouth have already agreed a deal for German manager Marco Rose to take charge next season. City must now gather themselves for an emotional final-day match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. For Arsenal, the decades of hurt are over as Arteta’s side prepares to lift the ultimate prize.
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