José Mourinho has reportedly claimed that Arsenal have “already won the Premier League” after their huge victory over West Ham United today, insisting that Mikel Arteta’s side now have one hand firmly on the trophy.
The former Chelsea F.C. and Manchester United F.C. manager was full of praise for Arsenal’s mentality following their hard-fought win, describing the Gunners as “the most consistent team in England this season.”
Arsenal secured a massive 1-0 win away from home thanks to a late strike from Leandro Trossard, moving another step closer to their first league title in over two decades.
According to Mourinho, the result showed why Arteta’s side deserve to be champions.
“They know how to suffer, they know how to win ugly, and champions must do that,” Mourinho reportedly said. “For me, Arsenal have already won the Premier League mentally. The confidence is there, the belief is there, and now everybody is chasing them.”
The Portuguese coach also praised key Arsenal stars including Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka for stepping up during the most important stage of the season.
Arsenal fans erupted across social media after the victory, with many believing the club are finally ending their long wait for another Premier League crown. The North London side remain in control of the title race with only a few matches left to play.
Mikel Arteta refused to get carried away after the match, but admitted the result was “massive” for his team’s ambitions. The Arsenal manager urged his players to remain focused as they continue balancing their Premier League push with preparations for the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain F.C..
If Arsenal go on to finish the job, it would mark their first Premier League title since the historic Invincibles campaign under Arsène Wenger in 2004.