While mathematically it’s not yet confirmed, the faces of the Arsenal players at the end of their 3-0 defeat by Brighton on Sunday made it clear they knew the Premier League title race was over.
Some stood staring into the distance, others sat on the pitch and looked at the ground as their opponents raced over to the away end to celebrate with their jubilant fans.
This game felt like the last-chance saloon for Arsenal. They still needed the unlikely scenario of Manchester City slipping up in their remaining three games, but a win was a must if they were to stay in the hunt.
Instead, they capitulated as Brighton scored three second-half goals to strengthen their fairytale bid to secure European football next season.
The loss means Arsenal are four points behind leaders Manchester City and have just two games remaining. Pep Guardiola’s side know a win against Chelsea at the Etihad next Sunday means the title will be theirs again.
“It is going to be very difficult now, we have to be honest. It is tough to take,” Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard told Sky Sports.
“It is not a good feeling at the moment. The way we played, particularly in the second half, I don’t know what happened to be honest.
“It feels like there is no hope now.”
source: BBC