Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes claims Arsenal’s 3-3 draw against Southampton in late April was the day that the Gunners “lost the title” to Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s side were above the Citizens heading into their game against the bottom-of-the-table club and, speaking on the Charla Podcast Guimaraes said that he knew that Pep Guardiola’s team would finish first when their rivals drew with the Saints:
“Arsenal were 11 points ahead [at one point]. Then, they took on Southampton who were last [in the table], they were almost relegated. Southampton were winning until 90 [minutes], then Arsenal managed to draw. For me, it was in that game that Arsenal lost the title. Drawing at home with Southampton, who were last.”
City needed Arsenal to drop points during the run-in and the Southampton game was a key fixture in helping Guardiola’s men regain their place at the top.
Guimaraes had a few things to say about City too
As well as commenting on the collapse of Arsenal’s title challenge, the midfielder also delivered a verdict on the Citizens, stating that he hated playing against them:
“We know that Manchester City are a step above all [other] teams in England, with all due respect. It’s the worst game when we play there [at the Etihad], I hate it. It seems that we are all little kids, and the guys [we are facing] are professionals. It’s awful. It looks like they’re playing with 15 [players] and we’re playing with seven.”
City won 2-0 against the Magpies in March but, it should also be noted that Guimaraes’ side did secure a 3-3 draw versus the Premier League champions back in August last year.
Especially with Guimaraes in their team, Newcastle are a force to be reckoned with, and you can bet that Guardiola won’t be taking them lightly when they face them next season.
