West Ham star’s final-day title prediction for Arsenal and Man City | Football

Man City have one hand on the trophy and know victory over David Moyes’ West Ham on Sunday will see them become the first team in Premier League history to win fourth successive league titles.

Pep Guardiola’s side took a huge step towards retaining their crown by beating Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham in midweek and moving two points above the Gunners ahead of the final day.

But, given the narrow deficit, Arsenal are still praying for a final-day miracle and know three points against Everton would be enough to clinch a first title since 2004 if Man City lost or drew to the Hammers.

West Ham have endured an inconsistent league campaign, winning 14 and losing 13 of their 37 games to sit ninth ahead of the final day of the season.

Just one victory from their last five games means West Ham cannot catch Manchester United, Newcastle United or resurgent Chelsea in the battle for European football and will finish ninth regardless of the result at the Etihad Stadium.

But the east Londoners will still want to give a good account of themselves in Moyes’ final game in charge. It was confirmed two weeks’ ago that Moyes – who managed Man City’s local rivals Man United earlier in his career – would leave the London Stadium at the end of the season.

‘I wouldn’t call Arsenal bottle jobs if they lose this title, I wouldn’t,’ said Antonio, who has scored three goals in his last five appearances.

‘If it goes down to the last day, I reckon Arsenal win it. Last game of the season, we have something to play for as well, Man City away.’

Manchester City took a huge step towards yet another Premier League title as they battled to a 2-0 victory over Tottenham on Tuesday night.

Following the win, Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp both backed Guardiola’s side to go on to wrap up the title on the final day of the season.

Asked whether West Ham could upset the champions, ex-City defender Richards told Sky Sports: ‘No. That’s no disrespect to West Ham.

‘I’ve been in that stadium on the last days – the [Ilkay] Gundogan moment, the QPR moment with [Sergio] Aguero, the fans… I just think Man City.

‘I think the game will be difficult, I don’t think it will be a 2-0 or 3-0 because West Ham have got some very good players. But I think Man City will get the job done.’

Redknapp, meanwhile, added: ‘No, I don’t see it. But I just feel for Arsenal because they’ve been incredible.

‘We’ve seen sides in this Premier League trying to take on the juggernaut that is Manchester City and just not be able to quite climb that mountain.

‘Remember Liverpool a couple of years ago, a few times, they got so many points but just couldn’t do it because Man City would just hold them off at the last second and it feels like that again for Arsenal this season.

‘Arsenal have been incredible but they just haven’t… a couple of moments haven’t gone their way, maybe the start. You always look back at ifs and buts.

‘They’ve been so good, Arsenal, they’ve pushed them all the way but just don’t see, because of the history and the way they’ve done it before, I just don’t see Manchester City slipping up now.’

The Premier League plan to have two identical trophies in place at the Etihad and the Emirates on Sunday in anticipation for either Man City or Arsenal winning the title. No team has sat top on the final day and failed to lift the trophy.

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