Arteta Backs Bournemouth as Arsenal Move Within One Game of Premier League Glory

Arsenal are now one result away from becoming Premier League champions, after their 1-0 win over Burnley left them needing Manchester City to fail to win at Bournemouth on Tuesday night. Mikel Arteta made clear he will be cheering on Bournemouth more than anyone, calling himself the “biggest” Cherries fan and admitting he will spend the evening nervously watching from home. The result at the Etihad could decide whether Arsenal lift the title before the final day.

The pressure on City is immense, and the role of Bournemouth makes the story even more intriguing. Their head coach, Andoni Iraola, is one of Arteta’s childhood friends, having grown up and played youth football alongside him in the Basque Country. Arteta praised Iraola’s work at the club and said Bournemouth do not need any extra motivation or advice, especially given their impressive 16-match unbeaten run.

Arsenal’s own win over Burnley was typical of their season: compact, tense and decided by small margins. Kai Havertz scored the only goal just before half-time, while Arsenal again kept a clean sheet, their eighth 1-0 league win of the campaign. There was a brief scare when Havertz escaped a red card after a high challenge, but the decision went Arsenal’s way and they held on with the kind of resilience that has carried them through the title race.

Arteta admitted the nerves are real, joking that this job is testing how much hair he has left. He said he will watch Tuesday’s game at home with his family but does not know how long he will be able to bear it. Arsenal players will not watch it together, but the entire club knows exactly what is at stake: if City fail to win, the title is theirs.

The wider picture is now very clear. Arsenal have not conceded from open play since their defeat to City last month, and their defensive strength has brought them to the brink of glory. Sky Sports analysts described the Burnley win as a perfect snapshot of Arsenal’s season — a set-piece goal, a clean sheet and a fair amount of tension — but also one more step toward the finish line. With 180 minutes left, or possibly only 90, Arsenal are right on the edge of ending their title wait.

City, meanwhile, arrive at Bournemouth knowing anything less than victory hands Arsenal the trophy. That setup has turned Tuesday night into one of the defining fixtures of the season, with Arteta openly supporting Bournemouth and City fighting to keep the race alive. Arsenal’s fate may rest in the hands of Iraola’s in-form side, and Arteta has already made his feelings clear: for one night only, he will be Bournemouth’s biggest supporter.