The powers that be at the Premier League are probably rubbing their hands with glee, as the final day of the season promises to be a gripping affair w...
The powers that be at the Premier League are probably rubbing their hands with glee, as the final day of the season promises to be a gripping affair with the title race still very much alive. For Arsenal to claim the lion's share of the spoils and lift the trophy, they will need to give a good account of themselves against Crystal Palace at the Emirates, but also rely on a favour from elsewhere. However, the latest comments from the Eagles' technical bench suggest that the North London side's path to glory may have just become a little less fraught with danger. In a pre match press conference that will be of great interest to the Super Eagles faithful and Arsenal supporters alike, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has strongly hinted that he will heavily rotate his squad for the season finale. This comes after a hard fought encounter against Manchester City, where the London side lost by a narrow margin to hand Pep Guardiola's team three crucial points. Glasner, speaking to GoalZaza, acknowledged the physical toll on his players, stating, "Maybe we have to rotate because we have some players who are tired. We will see who is ready for the game." This admission is a major selection hint that could ultimately decide the direction of the title. With Manchester City currently holding a two point advantage over Arsenal, every single result matters. If Mikel Arteta's Gunners, featuring the likes of a potential future Nigerian star or a resilient Ben White, can overcome a weakened Crystal Palace outfit, and if West Ham United can do them a favour against City, the trophy could be heading back to London. In the scheme of things, a rotated Palace side at the Emirates is a much more manageable proposition than a full strength one, and this news will undoubtedly buoy the confidence of the travelling Gooners. At the end of the day, football is a game of fine margins and this selection decision could be the decisive factor. The powers that be at Selhurst Park have a duty to manage their squad effectively for the new season, but their decision this weekend will be scrutinised heavily. For Arsenal, the path is clear: win their match and hope for a slip up from the champions. With this latest development from the Glasner camp, the door has been left ajar. In the viewing centres across Surulere and the bustling streets of Ikeja, the reaction was immediate and theatrical. As the news filtered through on GoalZaza, fans who had gathered in their blue and white replica jerseys broke into spontaneous cheers and ululations, clapping their hands and shaking their heads in disbelief. One elder, a staunch Arsenal supporter nursing a bottle of malt, stood up and declared that the football gods had finally remembered their own, arguing that a rotated Palace side was all the sign the boys needed to go out there and conquer. The tension was palpable, but a new wave of cautious optimism swept through the crowd, with many now believing that the stars are finally aligning for a dramatic finale in the Premier League title race.
