On the evening of 18/5, Arsenal defeated visiting team Burnley 1-0, extending their lead over Manchester City to five points, having played one more game. The "Gunners" will clinch the title one round early if Manchester City fails to beat Bournemouth today, 19/5. Should Pep Guardiola's team secure all three points, the championship race will be decided in the final round on 24/5. In that scenario, Arsenal will visit Crystal Palace, while Manchester City hosts Aston Villa at home.

Bournemouth's current manager is Andoni Iraola, a childhood friend of Arteta, who grew up and played with him at youth level in the Basque Country.

Manager Mikel Arteta (right) thanks fans after Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Burnley in round 37 of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 18/5/2026. *Photo: Reuters*

When asked if he would be a Bournemouth fan on Tuesday evening, Arteta responded: "The most passionate one, always. For Andoni, for the players, and for the Bournemouth fans. I think all of us will be their fans, because we understand what that result means."

However, the 44-year-old manager did not wish to send any messages or advice to his colleague Iraola. "That is not necessary," he stated. "What he is doing at that club, their transformation, and how they play, I do not think they need anything more. Seeing how Burnley played today, the spirit they showed, the difficulties they created, just imagine what Bournemouth will be like."

Arteta also mentioned he would not watch the match with the Arsenal players but would follow it at home with his family. "I do not know how long I will be able to watch," he said. "I will sit in front of the TV, but I am not sure I will watch it completely, that is the truth."

Arteta and Arsenal players celebrate after their win against Burnley.

At Emirates Stadium yesterday, Arsenal dominated the first half but squandered chances, scoring only one goal through Kai Havertz's header. In the second half, the "Gunners" deliberately slowed the pace, enduring tense final minutes but still securing a minimal victory. This marks Arsenal's eighth 1-0 victory in the Premier League this season, their highest tally since the 1998-1999 season, when they had 9 such wins.

When asked how he endures the pressure, Arteta joked: "I do not know. I once thought the amount of hair I had would never diminish, but this job is testing it to its limit."

The victory against Burnley was also Arsenal's final home game of the season. The "Gunners" have two more matches: an away game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in round 38 of the Premier League on 24/5, and the Champions League final against PSG at Puskas Arena, Budapest on 30/5.

After the match, Arteta took the microphone on the pitch, expressing regret that Arsenal wasted opportunities to seal the game in the first half. "When the score is 1-0, you can feel the danger of the Premier League," he said. "Burnley played very disciplined, with speed and belief, and anything could happen. But Arsenal showed resilience, character, and composure to protect the result. We controlled situations well in the penalty area and did not allow them to create many chances."

Highlights of Arsenal 1-0 Burnley match.

The Spanish coach continued to joke: "But winning 1-0 is not good for the heart at all. These are the things we must master when everything is in our hands. And today we did it. There is one more match. I will go home and have a good sleep. Tomorrow I will start preparing for Crystal Palace, and in the evening, I will sit in front of the TV, waiting for a miracle to happen."

Arteta also thanked the fans at Emirates Stadium for the passionate atmosphere, which helped motivate the team during this decisive phase of the season. He emphasized that Arsenal needs to maintain current standards heading into the 2026-2027 season, with the goal of conquering both the Premier League and European competitions.

"It is a very special feeling to see the stadium, to see everyone with such great passion and unity. I have never witnessed anything like today," the 44-year-old manager expressed. "We created that atmosphere, and now the standard has been pushed very high. All of us have a responsibility to maintain it."

Hong Duy (via Arsenal.com)