ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta believes his club can still win this season’s English Premier League title with help from West Ham and his former boss David Moyes.
The Gunners are two points behind leaders Manchester City and will need West Ham to take points off Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium in the season finale on Sunday to stand a chance.
Arsenal will host Everton in their own final fixture and a home win plus a draw in Manchester would see Arteta’s side clinch their first Premier League title in 20 years.
“It is one of the biggest weeks for many of us. Now is the most important moment,” Arteta said today during his pre-match press conference.
“We are excited and can’t wait for Sunday. We are very optimistic in terms of outcome.
“The hope is there. We have to do our job because Everton will be tough. We have to prove again that we can be better than the opponent. Then we have to wish for West Ham to have a really good day and help us to fulfil our dream.”
When asked how he has prepared his team for Sunday, Arteta noted that his message to his players is to never give up.
“The only thing we have discussed is giving ourselves the opportunity to live a beautiful day. The dream is still alive because it is football,” he said.
“We have to play like we do every single week and understand that, for the dream to happen, we have to win and then hope that West Ham will help us. Whatever happens it will be emotional on the day.
“I have to think we will win the game and then hopefully something beautiful is going to happen.
“There is hope around the building! It will be the last day of the season and we are playing for the Premier League trophy.
“It hasn’t yet been at the Emirates Stadium, which has been open for over 20 years, so yes we will have to be very optimistic. We have to do our duties and then see what happens.”
Arteta however admitted that Manchester City would be tough for West Ham as Guardiola’s side chase a historic fourth straight Premier League title.
“It is really difficult to beat any opposition in the Premier League, especially when something is at stake. But that is not in our control,” he offered.
“They are a little bit of a step closer than us but they will play a really tough opponent. I am sure [West Ham] will be at it and can help us to achieve our dream.”
When asked whether he had spoken to West Ham manager Moyes, who was in charge of Everton throughout his spell as a player at Goodison Park, Arteta said: “I don’t need to do that.
“He has been instrumental and important to both my footballing career and managerial. He could help us to fulfil my personal dream.”
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