Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a favour from his old boss David Moyes in the finale of the Premier League title race on Sunday afternoon.
Coming up against another of Mikel’s former colleagues, Pep Guardiola, Moyes’ West Ham United could help us on our way to our first league title in 20 years if they take points off of Manchester City and we beat Everton.
In his pre-match press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday, Mikel was asked if he had spoken to Moyes this week, who he played under at Everton.
“No, I don't think I need to do that, but he's been instrumental and so important in my career, not only as a footballer but as a person as well,” he explained. “He could help us to fulfil our dream and my personal dream to win the Premier League. That would be unbelievable and always be in my memory.”
Man City are favourites to win their game, but the final day hasn’t always been plain sailing for Guardiola’s side, who famously required two stoppage time goals to beat Queens Park Rangers and snatch the trophy from their Manchester rivals in 2012.
In the 2021/22 season, City beat Liverpool to the title by a point on the final day after having to come from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Etihad Stadium.
“It's really difficult to beat any opponent in the Premier League and when something is at stake as well, that task becomes more difficult,” Mikel added. “That’s not in our control, that’s for sure.
“We all know that they are a little bit closer because that’s one game less and they have to play at home, but they're going play a really tough opponent. We have suffered this season [against West Ham] and over the last few seasons, it is really tough to beat them. I'm sure they're going to be very at it and hopefully they can help us to achieve our dream.
“The beauty of this industry is that you come across people that you had experiences with in your life and it’s super important for you personally, and now you need something from them. Hopefully it will happen.”
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