How Arsenal ‘Bottled’ The League

The English Premier League is all but completed with the Champions, Manchester City, being crowned league winners once again. This comes after Michael Arteta’s Arsenal ‘bottled’ a substantial lead, after spending 91% of the 2022/23 campaign at the top of the table. Arsenal had a healthy 10-point lead, but a few draws and some embarrassing losses allowed Pep Guardiola’s men to march forward and overtook the London-based club. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka was quoted saying “Thinking back to the lead, it almost seems depressing.” Manchester City has a fantastic opportunity to claim a historic treble; they face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League Final on 10 June, and only a few days before, they face off against their noisy neighbours, Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

Manchester United has had a remarkable season, considering where the Red Devils have been in the last decade. Erik ten Hag has revolutionised the club and has somewhat brought the team back to the days when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. United have officially claimed a spot in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League after securing victory against Chelsea FC; the Red Devils needed only a single point, but after putting 4 goals past Chelsea’s goalie, Kepa Arrizabalaga, they claimed maximum points. Erik ten Hag has also shockingly been left out of the 6-man shortlist for manager of the season, which means fans have expressed their utmost frustration.

On the latest episode of the International News Desk, former Mamelodi Sundowns and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Sean Roberts dives into all things English Premier League with Soccer Laduma international News correspondent Kurt Buckerfield. The gents discuss whether or not Arsenal FC ‘bottled’ winning the title and share their thoughts on Manchester United’s season. Roberts speaks on who he thinks, between Harry Kane and Erling Haaland is more fierce and Kurt discussed Erik ten Hag’s rejection from the EPL Manager of the season