Pep Guardiola could not resist getting involved in the Premier League title race again after Manchester City closed the gap on Arsenal to just two points on Saturday evening.
City comfortably defeated Brentford 3-0 to pile pressure on the Gunners ahead of Sunday’s huge London derby away to West Ham, with Arsenal now knowing there is very little room for error across their final three league matches.
After speaking to the media following City’s victory, Guardiola jokingly crossed his arms in the famous West Ham “Irons” gesture before smiling and saying: “COME ON YOU IRONS!”
‘COME ON YOU IRONS.”
Pep Guardiola’s funny end to his press conference after Man City 3-0 Brentford 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Tm7Ulr4yi6
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) May 9, 2026
While Guardiola’s comments were clearly light-hearted, they perfectly underline just how important today’s match at the London Stadium has become for both ends of the Premier League table.
Arsenal are fighting to win their first league title since 2004, while West Ham are desperately battling to avoid relegation.
Arsenal and West Ham both fighting for everything
From Arsenal’s perspective, the situation could hardly be clearer.
Win the final three matches and the Premier League trophy finally returns to North London after more than two decades of waiting.
However, West Ham’s motivation will be just as strong.
The Hammers currently sit 18th in the table and only one point from safety, meaning every remaining fixture now feels like a cup final for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
That desperation could make this an especially dangerous game for Arsenal, particularly after the emotional and physical demands of Tuesday’s Champions League triumph over Atletico Madrid.
Arteta will need his players fully focused if they are to avoid any kind of post-European hangover.
West Ham have caused Arsenal problems before
Although Arsenal have enjoyed some dominant victories over West Ham in recent seasons, including 6-0 and 5-2 wins, the Hammers have also produced several damaging results against the Gunners during the Declan Rice era.
West Ham have won three of the last six meetings between the two clubs in all competitions, proving they remain capable of frustrating Arsenal when momentum swings in their favour.
Jarrod Bowen will once again be West Ham’s biggest attacking threat, especially during transitions and counter attacks.
For Arsenal though, this is exactly the type of test title-winning teams must overcome.
With Manchester City waiting for any slip-up, the pressure could hardly be greater.
Can Arsenal ignore the outside noise, silence Guardiola’s “Come on you Irons” plea, and take another huge step toward the Premier League title?
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He’s desperate. Another progression for our gunners.
Anyone think the great Pep is getting concerned?! 👍👍👍
This campaign has taken it toll on the highly accomplished Spaniard, the changing of the guard is near
Arteta got what he wanted without saying Come on Toffees! This just shows the level of Pep’s anxiety and frustration.
Despite the legendary Pep Guarrdiola characteristic mind games aiming to manage pressure, it won’t work as the apprentice slowly becomes the master
I like that: as the apprentice slowly becomes the master..
I am 60+ Grandmother commenting from Namibia….a diehard Fan of the GUNNERS since 1996 when I “officially” became a fan, to protect my (then) 6yr old son against the teases of his (then) 14yr old Liverpool-fan brother.
…the two of us are ARSENAL FANS forever!
Congrats Miriam! I can understand you.
Nice 👌
Long sleepless night to Pep after seeing the VAR scintillating drama. Focus on Chelsea and FA Cup