Ahead of Manchester City’s crucial trip to Tottenham on Tuesday, Mikel Arteta issued a warning: “Anyone can beat anyone.” Arsenal forward Kai Havertz declared he would be “the biggest Tottenham fan ever.”
With just their second victory at Old Trafford in 17 trips, Havertz’s team defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday. Leandro Trossard’s goal in the 20th minute put Arsenal back atop the Premier League standings by one point, despite having played one more game than Pep Guardiola’s club.
In order to win their first championship since 2004, Arsenal will need a favor from their arch rivals in north London, who play City on Sunday.
“I am going to be the biggest fan of Tottenham ever,” Havertz told Sky Sports. “Let’s hope for the best.”
On Sunday, Arsenal plays its farewell match at Emirates Stadium against Everton. Arteta also said: “My experience in this league is that any team can beat any team. I lived it various scenarios in the last day when a lot of teams have necessities. The margin of respect that everybody puts in the games is phenomenal.
“We know we need a result [for Spurs against City]. We need to do our own thing still in the last game. But today, we wanted to open that box of dreams to live the last day of the season in front of our people with the opportunity to win the Premier League.
“That’s something we’re going to live together and I’m so pleased we’re going to do it with these players and staff.”
Arsenal had only triumphed on one of their sixteen prior visits to Old Trafford, so history did not favor them on Sunday.
“Today we had to play in a really special place that our history was not very optimistic about what could happen but we found a way to win it,” Arteta said. “That says a lot about how much the team wants it.”
The 27th Premier League victory for Arsenal this season came on Sunday, setting a new club record. In the previous top flight, they achieved that feat twice: in 1970–71 (29 victories) and 1930–31 (28)
“That’s not progress, that’s history,” a proud Arteta said. “That’s very difficult to do, especially in the league where we are playing now. Big compliment to all the players and staff for what they’ve done.”
