Supporters of rival teams have taken to teasing Arsenal following the release of a video showing the team practicing for a possible Premier League trophy ceremony at their home ground, Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal remains in contention for the title as the season approaches its climax, but they must secure a win against Everton and rely on West Ham to upset Manchester City in order to claim the top spot.
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Despite a commendable performance this season under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, and a potential tally of 89 points, Arsenal may still fall short of securing their first league title since 2004.
This is due to Manchester City’s recent victory over Tottenham, which guarantees they will lead the league on the final day—a position that historically ensures a championship win.
Pep Guardiola’s team is on the verge of setting a new record with a fourth consecutive Premier League title. They face West Ham in their final match, and a win would crush Arsenal’s remaining hopes.
Arsenal, still in the running for the championship, has made necessary preparations, which include a practice run of the trophy presentation at the Emirates.
Footage shows staff members ascending a podium, where a replica of the Premier League trophy is displayed, engaging in handshakes, and simulating the awarding of medals while the names of players are announced over the PA system.
While such measures are essential for what could be a pivotal moment in Arsenal’s history, it hasn’t stopped rival fans from making light of the situation.
‘Thanks for preparing the meme material for tomorrow,’ one wrote on X, while another said: ‘This is great banter, Arsenal will never learn.’
Behind the scenes footage of the preparation for the potential trophy lift at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.
This is how close we are. ???????? pic.twitter.com/lI9W2J9VRz
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) May 18, 2024
Another fan said: ‘You lot aren’t winning nothing,’ with several laughing emojis, while another said on Reddit: ‘Why would you do this to yourself?!’
Even Arsenal fans were aware of the backlash they could expect from the video, with one posting on X: ‘This is definitely going to come back to bite us man.’
Another said: ‘Rival fans are going to cook us for generations because of this.’
The Premier League has announced that two identical trophies will be present at both Manchester City and Arsenal’s grounds on the season’s concluding day.
Despite the challenging odds, Arteta harbors aspirations of hoisting the Premier League trophy by Sunday night.
‘I do believe,’ said the Spaniard, who used to work for Manchester City rival Guardiola. ‘We wanted to be in this position.
‘We have earned the right to live a beautiful day in front of our people on Sunday with the hope and big opportunity that we can lift the trophy at the end of the match.
‘We have the possibility to live a beautiful day on Sunday where the dream is still alive and it’s still possible. It’s football; we have to live the moment.’
Asked if winning the Premier League would be his best achievement in football, Arteta said: ‘It probably would be the best. I didn’t achieve it as a player when I came here and I had that dream.
‘When I left, I knew one day I wanted to come in a different role. In this case it has been as the manager and trying to lead this club to win major trophies. We want to start to do that. This is the opportunity we have on Sunday.
‘After everything we have been through for many years, I think it would be the best moment.’
