So here we are. The morning of the last day of the season and we still have shot of the title. Not since 1999 (I think?) have we been in this position.

Being title contenders is all most of us have asked for over the last decade and a half, and we are finally here. We have backed up last seasons brilliant campaign with a second title challenge in as many years. No matter what happens today we can be incredibly proud of what Mikel Arteta and his players have done this season.

Victory today will see us gain the 2nd most points in our history, and just 1 less than the Invincibles. We have already scored the most goals in our history and have the best defensive record in the league. We can be extremely proud of our 2023/24 campaign, even though we may well ultimately win nothing.

Mikel Arteta still believes our title dreams can come true, and so do I. Even if the bookmakers have us as 8/1 outsiders.

I would be very surprised if Manchester City do not roll over West Ham. The Hammers have won just 1 in 5 as they have limped from European contenders to mid table mediocrity.

Other than putting in one last shift for David Moyes, West Ham players have nothing to play for. They currently sit 9th. They can not finish 8th, not can 10th catch them up.

I do not want to be doom and gloom on the morning of this potentially great day, but I am a realist. If West Ham do win or draw it will be one of the biggest shocks of the season.

From an Arsenal point of view, we just need to focus on ourselves, get the 3 points in the bag.

If West Ham are one of the most out-of-form teams in the league, Everton are one of the most in-form with 4 wins and a draw from their last 5 games. Were it not for their points deduction, they would be just a handful of points behind West Ham.

Today will not be easy for us. Everton, in typical Sean Dyche style, are a solidly built team. Only Arsenal (28), Man City (33) and Liverpool (41) have conceded less than the 49 goals Jordan Pickford has let in this season.

They set up defensively, sacrificing scoring goals for a solid defence (only Sheffield United have scored less). It will not take a genius to work out what will happen today – Arsenal will have around 70% of the possession, will be camped in Everton’s half for most of the game and our opponents will have 10 men behind the ball.

From a personal point of view, I will not be keeping an eye on what is happening in Manchester, for the first half at least. If Manchester City are not winning when I go down on 36 minutes for my half time beer, I might start to take more of an interest. But my focus will be on Arsenal.

It has been a brilliant season. No matter what happens today, have a few beers with your mates, talk about the good times and enjoy your day!

UTA.

Keenos