Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he will be fully supporting AFC Bournemouth when they face Manchester City on Tuesday night as the Premier League title race reaches a dramatic stage.
The Gunners moved a step closer to ending their 22-year wait for the league title after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burnley on Monday evening.
A first-half header from Kai Havertz proved enough to seal the win in a tense encounter that sent Arsenal five points clear at the top of the table.
A victory for Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium would keep the title race alive, while any dropped points would hand Arsenal the Premier League crown before the final round of fixtures.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Arteta openly admitted he would be cheering for Bournemouth.
“The biggest ever!” Arteta responded when asked if he would be supporting the Cherries.
“For Andoni, the players, and the Bournemouth supporters, we are all Bournemouth fans because we know what it would mean if they get a result,” he added.
Bournemouth, managed by Arteta’s longtime friend Andoni Iraola, head into the encounter in strong form, having gone unbeaten in their last 16 matches while also pushing for European qualification.
Arsenal are scheduled to face Crystal Palace in their final game of the season, although they may secure the title before then if Pep Guardiola’s side fail to claim maximum points.
Since the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign, Arsenal have spent 556 days at the top of the Premier League table — more than 200 days ahead of any other club, with Liverpool the closest challengers on 355 days.