If Arsenal don't win the championship now, when will they?

Arsenal - Ảnh 1. — Arsenal holds a significant advantage in the title race - Photo: AP

The moment referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed Callum Wilson's (West Ham) goal in injury time will almost certainly decide the Premier League title race this season.

The narrow victory helped Arsenal maintain their 5-point lead over Man City. Despite having played one more game than their rivals, the "Gunners" hold a significant advantage in their quest for the championship.

The desire for the throne

The victory against West Ham was a tough test of Arsenal's endurance. In fact, manager Arteta nearly paid the price when right-back Ben White suffered a knee injury in the 20th minute.

Then, surprisingly, he moved Declan Rice down to right-back and kept young Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield. As a result, Arsenal lost control of the game, allowing West Ham to surge forward, press high, and create numerous dangerous opportunities.

But the resilience of a team desperately craving the championship came to the fore at the right moment. At halftime, realizing his mistake, Arteta immediately rectified it by bringing Cristhian Mosquera onto the field. At the same time, he moved Rice back to the center of midfield. This adjustment proved effective. It was Rice who delivered the pass that allowed Martin Odegaard to cleverly set up Leandro Trossard for the goal in the 83rd minute.

After the match, Manchester United legend Roy Keane exclaimed on Sky Sports: "Arsenal have found a way to win. In previous years, people doubted their mental and physical strength when they faltered at crucial moments."

"Today, although it wasn't a spectacular performance from Arsenal, they played extremely effectively." Arsenal of previous seasons might have collapsed after losing control of the game, or suffered a mental breakdown after conceding a last-minute goal. But the current Arsenal is different.

Arsenal - Ảnh 2. — Manager Mikel Arteta is eager for the day Arsenal lift the trophy - Photo: REUTERS

Over two decades of waiting

Of course, controversy was inevitable. West Ham striker Pablo's arm even grabbed goalkeeper David Raya's arm during a punch-away situation. Many argued that it was a normal collision in the penalty area. West Ham players also complained that Odegaard and Rice had also pulled opponents' shirts in that chaotic play.

But that's football. Raya always showed initiative and excellent spatial awareness. It was his courageous challenge that forced the referee to make a pivotal decision: protecting him from even the slightest contact from Pablo.

The Premier League title is now just two games away for Arteta's team. They need to beat Burnley at home at the Emirates and a Crystal Palace side with nothing left to play for in the final round to officially clinch the title. The London team has not conceded a goal since their defeat to Manchester City.

There's a classic line in Rocky III, when boxer Clubber Lang is asked for his prediction before the championship fight. He bends down, removes his mask, and says just one word: "Painful." The Premier League title race also drains the players' energy and is just as full of "painful" as that.

For 22 long years since the unbeaten 2003-2004 season, Arsenal have never been closer to lifting the Premier League trophy. The stars are aligning: favorable circumstances, home advantage, strong team, and even VAR – everything is on their side. If not now, then when, Arsenal?