Spurs loss leaves Chelsea clear
PREMIER LEAGUE After Tottenham’s 01 defeat at West Ham, Conte’s men are two wins away from claiming the title
After Chelsea’s path to the Premier League title was cleared, Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was left frustrated, bewildered and hurt.
Without a title since 1961, Tottenham had fought so hard to trim Chelsea’s lead in recent weeks but then squandered the opportunity to slash it to a single point on Friday. A 1-0 loss at West Ham enables Chelsea to secure the trophy before Tottenham even plays again.
The collapse at the Olympic Stadium was so out of character for the current crop of Tottenham players. A team that invigorated the title race with daring, attacking football suddenly ran out of ideas in the London derby. A nine-match winning run came to an end meekly to leave the team four points behind Chelsea.
“The right question to ask ourselves is, ‘Are we capable to increase, especially in the moments under pressure all together in a big game, the level?’” Lloris said.
Chelsea has four games remaining and will capture the title by beating Middlesbrough on Monday and West Bromwich Albion on Friday.
Tottenham’s task now is holding on for its highest finish in 54 years in the remaining three games.
“To win a league, to win a trophy, there are key moments,” Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said. “And today was a key moment ... It’s not about always playing well or badly, it’s not about running more or less, it’s about when you must win you win. If you want to be a champion there are games you must win. How? I don’t know. Today we missed it a little bit.” times Wenger has led Arsenal against United, more than against any team in his career
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Arsenal’s 3-5-2 formation has seen Hector Bellerin make way for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at right back, despite the Spaniard’s excellent performances. Their defence is expected to get a big boost with Shkodran Mustafi fit again.
Jose Mourinho has never lost a Premier League game against Arsenal. He has won five and drawn seven of his 12 league meetings with the Gunners.
This will be the 50th Premier League match between the sides. United have edged the fixture, winning 22, drawing 15 and losing 12. Man United:
Alexis Sanchez could be a key player for Arsenal. However, the Chilean has only managed one goal in nine games
against top-five teams this season.
Ozil has been criticised for his body language, especially since he goes missing when his creativity is needed in the big games. Arsenal won: Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge of Manchester United will also be marked as a disappointment. The Red Devils have drawn 14 matches this season as Mourinho has been pragmatic rather than adventurous.
Captain Wayne Rooney is expected to start the match while Marcus Rashford is rested having played against Celta Vigo mid-week while carrying an injury.
With Marouane Fellaini suspended, Mourinho will have to rely on Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick for defensive midfield duties. Juan Mata is expected to start.
Mourinho will have to tailor his side heavily to give his defensive players rest to avoid further injuries. Eric Bailly and Daley Blind are likely to be replaced by Chris Smalling and
Phil Jones at centre-back. Played Drawn Man United won Liverpool v Southampton, 6:00pm Arsenal v Manchester United, 8:30pm (both matches live on Star Sports SHD1)