Mikel Arteta can be hard to like - but why is everyone willing Arsenal to blow title?

Mikel Arteta can be hard to like - but why is everyone willing Arsenal to blow title?The reaction to Arsenal's win against West Ham and the VAR controversy that followed should the Gunners will not be popular champions if they end their title droughtCommentsSportopinionJohn Cross Chief Football Writer15:12, 11 May 2026Updated 15:26, 11 May 2026View 2 ImagesMikel Arteta within reach of title(Image: John Walton/PA Wire) In any other season a different name on the Premier League trophy would be a cause of celebration. But it does feel - judging by the fall-out from their win at West Ham - as if Arsenal would not be very popular champions. ‌ And that feels like a real shame because whoever finishes top over 38 games has absolutely deserved it. No-one can dispute that team will not have earned it. ‌ Manchester City have completely dominated the title during Pep Guardiola ’s reign and they are still going for a seventh title in nine years. It has been remarkable. ‌ Liverpool have got their hands on the trophy and everyone loved Jurgen Klopp and there were massive celebrations around Arne Slot winning it in his first season. READ MORE: Arsenal VAR controversy could trigger law change with talks planned for after World CupREAD MORE: Arsenal get new VAR verdict after furious backlash over West Ham dramaIt was classed as a breath of fresh air because, despite City being so good and Guardiola being such a genius, the last thing anyone needs is the Premier League becoming a one-horse race. Look at what is happening in Scotland. Hearts have been a phenomenal story because they have a chance to break the Old Firm domination. ‌ Arsenal are hardly underdogs. It is a massive club and 22 years is the longest they have gone post-war since winning the title. But it is really hard to understand how we reached this point. Is it Arteta’s touchline behaviour? His demeanour and temperament makes him hard to like at times. Arsenal’s tactics. Earlier in the season, they played great football. They really did. But at points, they have been Set Piece FC and rather dull. ‌ The fan base - on social media at least - are loud, vocal and seriously annoying. But come on, everyone does it. That rather staged City fan with the Arsenal bottle just happened to be picked out on TV cameras and then interviewed the next day. Call me cynical… But the actual match going fans are different. Passionate, supportive and, no, they are not nervous every week. That really is a false narrative. View 2 ImagesMikel Arteta celebrates(Image: John Walton/PA Wire) ‌ However, it all plays into laughing at Arsenal’s latest meltdown - and they have had three successive second place finishes - becoming a national sport. It would have caused huge amusement if that West Ham goal had not been disallowed and maybe that is why it felt as if social media and some pundits were desperate for it to stand rather than VAR intervene. Is this just paranoia? No. When Aston Villa - former European champions - reached the Europa League final the BBC headline read: Vibrant and victorious - Villa ready to end 30-year trophy drought. ‌ After Arsenal reached the Champions League the celebration police were out in force and the BBC headline… Was Arsenal ecstasy justified or a “bit too much?” I’m normally a great defender of the media and dismiss it as nonsense. But even I’m struggling on this one. If Arsenal win the title, they will be worthy champions and deserve credit not detractors. And yes, they should be able to celebrate. Article continues belowJoin 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.