Arsenal supporters were left in shock after hearing comments made by David Moyes ahead of West Ham’s upcoming match against Manchester City on Sunday.
Moyes, who is managing West Ham for the final time as he prepares to leave the club for a second stint, recently guided his team to a 3-1 victory over Luton Town at the London Stadium.
Now, West Ham faces Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in their last match of the season.
Manchester City secured a 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night, positioning them to clinch their fourth consecutive league title with a victory over West Ham, regardless of Arsenal’s win against Manchester United, which kept the title race alive until the final day.
West Ham, currently ninth in the table, has the potential to influence the title outcome, but Arsenal fans are skeptical about their chances following Moyes’ remarks.
Arsenal fans were particularly dismayed by Moyes’ lighthearted comment about the upcoming match.
He quipped, “It would be difficult stopping their Under 14’s winning the title, I think!” Moyes added that he had instructed his players to be professional and do their best, emphasizing the importance of professionalism.
However, his remark, perceived as a lack of confidence in his team’s ability to challenge Manchester City, sparked a significant reaction from Arsenal supporters.
West Ham’s historical context adds to the tension, as they faced Manchester City on the final day of the 2013/14 season when City was competing with Liverpool for the title.
In that match, City emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, courtesy of goals from Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany, spoiling any hopes of an upset.
Moyes’ recent comments, though seemingly made in jest, did not sit well with Arsenal fans.
Many took to social media to express their disbelief and frustration.
One fan remarked, “That’s a man on the beach,” implying that Moyes had already mentally checked out.
Another commented, “He’s already given up,” while a third added, “Moyes is on holiday already then.”
The sentiment of disappointment was echoed by another fan who fumed, “Imagine conceding defeat in a press conference what a loser lol.”
This was followed by another post stating, “Everyone rolls over and has their belly tickled for City.”
A final comment sarcastically noted, “West Ham are ‘European champions’ yet their manager admits defeat before kick-off.”
Manchester City’s position going into the final game of the 2023/24 season is a result of Erling Haaland’s impressive performance against Spurs, where he scored two second-half goals.
The game had an unusual atmosphere, with Tottenham fans cheering on Manchester City due to their fierce rivalry with Arsenal.
This scenario allowed City to maintain a two-point lead at the top of the table heading into the final weekend of the season, ensuring their fate remained in their own hands.
The reactions from Arsenal fans underline their anxiety and the high stakes of the upcoming match.
Moyes’ comments, intended humorously or not, have only heightened the tension as the football community anticipates the final match day.
For Arsenal, the hope lies in West Ham putting up a strong fight against Manchester City, although Moyes’ remarks have dampened those hopes.
As the Premier League season reaches its climax, the scrutiny on both teams and managers intensifies.
The outcome of the Manchester City vs. West Ham match will not only decide the title race but also reflect on Moyes’ tenure at West Ham.
Arsenal fans will be watching closely, hoping for a twist in the tale that could potentially hand them the title, despite their manager’s apparent resignation to City’s superiority.