Josh Kroenke makes promise to Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal title decider
Josh Kroenke has vowed Arsenal will continue to go from strength to strength - regardless of whether they win the Premier League title or not on Sunday.
The Gunners are in the running for the title for a second consecutive year under Mikel Arteta, who will end the club's agonising 20-year title drought with a win against Everton if Manchester City slip up against West Ham.
Arteta endured a turbulent start to life at the Emirates as a manager but has gone on to re-establish Arsenal as a force at the top end of the Premier League. And Kroenke, the club's co-chair, has indicated that the Spaniard will continue to be backed.
Writing in his programme notes ahead of Sunday's season finale, Kronke said: “While we are undoubtedly proud of the progress we have made, I want to be clear that no one at the club will stand still. However things finish today, we’re all working behind the scenes to move us forward – always forward – again.
“There is so much that we want to achieve, both at home & in Europe & we are focused on writing some exciting new stories & chapters that build on the history of Arsenal Football Club.”
Arsenal last won the title in 2004: the year Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' went the entire Premier League season without tasting defeat. The Gunners came close to ending their long wait for a title last year after building up an impressive lead over Manchester City, only to fall away in the final weeks of the season.
This time around they've taken it to the final day - and while their destiny is not in their own hands, Arteta still believes that they can achieve the improbably and pip City to the crown.
Join the debate! Will Arsenal win the title today? Let us know here.
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal could dethrone Manchester City on Sunday
“It’s one of the biggest weeks for many of us, and certainly now is the most important moment. I’m really excited and can't wait for Sunday to be in front of us, and I’m very optimistic with the possible outcome,” he said in his pre-match press conference.
“We are in the last day of the season playing for the Premier League. The Premier League trophy hasn't been at Emirates Stadium and that was built almost 20 years ago, so that's a long, long time. So yes, we have to be very optimistic. We have to do our duties, and then we have to wait and see what happens.
“We have to do our job which is going to be tough because Everton are in a really good moment, so we're going have to prove again that we can be better than the opponent and win the game. Then we have to wish for the best and for West Ham to have a really good day and help us to fulfil our dream.”
DON'T SCRAP REPLAYS! Join our petition to keep the magic of the FA Cup alive!
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.