EPL final title race drama as euphoria catches loc...

EPL final title race drama as euphoria catches local football fans

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

As the world awaits top drama, title decider games in the English Premier League final games today, log leaders Manchester City will look to produce a masterclass to prevent second-placed Arsenal from clinching their first League title in 30 years.

Much cannot be said from a host of games to be played at 1700hrs today, as focus remains on title contenders, with their opponents making an integral part of history in the making, West Ham and Everton, will both make the history books to yet again a drama filled season ending tittle race.

Manchester City take on West Ham at their Etihad Stadium, a home advantage to aspirers of a historical fourth consecutive league title, while Arsenal will battle it out with a bitter Everton, who got points deducted twice for breaching profit and sustainability rules, leaving them hanging on a balance to prevent relegation.

Local punters and supporters of tittle aspirants, who spoke to Zim Now leading up to match day expressed mixed feelings over predictions and weight of the games.

One Taengwa Kasakara, a Manchester United fan, said that their fellow Manchester-based league leaders were not a team to place hopes on losing a title, especially if it’s in their hands, as is the case today.

“I do not like City at all but what Guardiola does is very certain, prepare for the demolition of West Ham. I think City will win 5-0,” Kasakara said.

Madzibaba Tonde, a Arsenal fan, still had glimmers of hope pinned on a miracle working for West Ham, noting that it takes 90 minutes to win a game, that has thus far proved to be unpredictable.

“I have not lost hope, 90 minutes can be unpredictable my brother, I have my fingers crossed, maybe we will be crowned winners for the first time in 30years imagine!!”

Another punter, Courtney Mukavhi noted that Pep is angry and will not go a season without a trophy, especially after losing out on the Champions league to Real Madrid. City have home advantage and they have been solid at the back in the last games.

“Pep has not gone a season without a trophy for years now, he is angry for losing in the Champions League, and will punish West Ham for sins committed by others. Arsenal should have taken their chances when they had them, because City doesn’t play in the last games.”

Fanuel Vembo, a Liverpool fan also waded into the debate, arguing that his team had long lost its aspirations and a place as title contenders, however the magnitude of the final games today cannot be played down.

He adds that it will be disappointing for Arsenal, as much as hope stands, with Liverpool being testament on three occasions, he says it is all but certain, that Manchester City will be crowned Champions.

“I would have loved to give hope to my fellow Arsenal brothers but not with City in the race. We lost three times, very close to winning but City being City, we had to cry for three seasons. It is certain (99%) that City will be Champions today.

“The drama though is what makes EPL the best league in the world, when others have already crowned their champions with many games to play, EPL crowns it’s own on the final matchday,” said Vembo, who looked excited ahead of the impending drama set to unfold come 1700hrs today.

Meanwhile, the losing team today will share the same emotions with wives of local football lovers who promised to flood beerhalls to watch the games together.

Emmanuel Kanjini, who interrupted one interview joyfully noted that such games cannot be watched at home with the wife, but with the boys who will give the same energy as he does.

One woman who refused to be named, confirmed the anger that she said was felt by her friends and women in general, noting that these games have taken fathers and husbands out of their home and coming back late.

“Sometimes you feel like you come second to football, my husband supports Chelsea and he always goes to the bar to watch the games with his friends even though we have a fully-subscribed DStv.

“I am glad that the league ends today, we will see more of our men at home,” she said.

The suspense created by the promising late drama in the league has kept supporters on their toes, anticipating the action later today.