Jamie Carragher did not mince words on Monday night. Watching Everton claw back three goals against Manchester City before Doku scrambled a stoppage-time equaliser, the former Liverpool defender turned to the camera and said what a lot of Arsenal supporters were already thinking: beat West Ham on Sunday and the Premier League title belongs to Arsenal. It is as simple as that.
Arsenal beat Fulham comfortably on Sunday, and with City dropping two points at Goodison Park, Mikel Arteta's side now have the title in their own hands. They do not need anyone else to do them any favours. Win at the London Stadium and it is done. That is a position many expected them to be in. What is perhaps more impressive is how they got there — through a run of form that has made them look every bit like champions, not just contenders.
What Sunday's win over Fulham showed
The Fulham match was not the most glamorous occasion, but it was exactly what a title-chasing side needs. Arsenal controlled it from the first whistle, dealt with whatever Fulham tried to throw at them, and won without ever looking in serious trouble. Thierry Henry, watching in the Sky Sports studio, pointed to Myles Lewis-Skelly's display as evidence that Arsenal have options across the pitch they were not supposed to have at this stage of the season. Henry's praise was not casual — he was making the case that Lewis-Skelly should start the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Arsenal are in a position where their biggest decision is which of their talented players should be dropped.
Bukayo Saka was again central to everything. His involvement as both a creative force and a pressing outlet is a recurring feature of every Arsenal win this season. When he is on his game — and he has been more often than not — Arsenal look a different side. The numbers back it up.
What West Ham actually offers
The West Ham game is not a routine fixture. The London Stadium is a difficult place to go, particularly for a team carrying the weight of being one win from a title. Arsenal will know that and so will Arteta. His job in the week before the match will be partly about managing the squad's energy levels — the Champions League semi-final is also coming up — and partly about keeping the focus sharp. One game at a time is the phrase, and it applies here more than anywhere.
West Ham have had a mixed season but they are not a side that will roll over. They will press high, play compact when they need to, and look to exploit any nerves Arsenal might carry into the occasion. Whether they have enough quality to do damage is another matter. On current form, Arsenal look too good for them.
The mood around the club
There is a sense at Arsenal right now that this is their year. Not the forced positivity you sometimes get from clubs going through the motions, but something that feels earned. They have been through tough moments this season, recovered from them, and kept pace with a Manchester City side that spent much of the campaign looking like the more likely champions. To have turned that around, with games to spare and a West Ham fixture ahead, tells you something about how this squad responds when it counts.
Carragher is right. Win on Sunday, Arsenal are champions. The only question is whether they let the moment get to them — or treat it like any other game. Everything in their recent performances suggests the latter.
Title race context: Arsenal lead Premier League table, 5 May 2026 | Next fixture: Arsenal vs West Ham, London Stadium | A win for Arsenal clinches the Premier League title
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