Arsenal vs Everton LIVE!

Kai Havertz’s late finish gave Arsenal a 2-1 win over Everton, but their Premier League title bid fell just short on the final day.

The Gunners went into the match needing a favour from West Ham, who travelled to face Man City, but Pep Guardiola’s side took the lead through an early brace from Phil Foden and the pattern of the afternoon was set. Idrissa Gana Gueye’s deflected free-kick to open the scoring flattened the mood further at the Emirates Stadium, even if it was briefly lifted when Takehiro Tomiyasu equalised immediately and Mohammed Kudus pulled one back before half-time in Manchester.

Kai Havertz and Emile Smith Rowe both hit the bar for Arsenal in the second-half as the hosts pushed for a winner, which eventually came with a couple of minutes remaining as the German turned into an empty net. That was not enough to force any late title drama, with City cruising to a 3-1 win over West Ham, but Arsenal had at least the comfort of knowing they did their job on the final day, with a 16th win in 18 Premier League matches since the turn of the year.

Arsenal vs Everton updates

• GOAL! Havertz nets late Arsenal winner

• GOAL! Tomiyasu with immediate equaliser

• GOAL! Deflected Gueye free-kick opens scoring

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19:35 , Matt Verri

It took less than 90 seconds for the bubble to burst at Emirates Stadium.

Before kick-off, it had been a wall of noise as Arsenal fans dared to dream that their 20-year wait to win the Premier League was about to come to an end.

It did not take long, though, for news of Phil Foden’s goal against West Ham to filter through and the life was sucked out of everyone here at the Emirates.

That is typical of how Manchester City have operated during this title race, and the ones in years gone by.

Whenever anyone has a hint of belief - or there is a sense of jeopardy and drama - they swiftly put a stop to it.

Read our full analysis here!

Arteta: Arsenal can't be satisfied

19:14 , Matt Verri

Mikel Arteta issued a defiant message to the Arsenal fans after their final-day disappointment, urging them to “keep pushing” in the club’s bid for silverware.

He addressed the Arsenal supporters on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium after the win over Everton, as the Arsenal boss insisted they should not be “satisfied” with just pushing City close.

“All this happened because you started believing, you decided to be patient, you starting to understand what we were trying to do,” Arteta said.

“All the credit has to go to these players, the staff that is unbelievable.

“I think now it’s time to have a break. Think, reflect and please keep pushing. Keep inspiring this team. Don’t be satisfied because we want much more than that and we’re going to get it. Thank you so much.”

Arsenal ratings

18:43 , Matt Verri

Gabriel Martinelli 8

Forced a smart save from Pickford after an excellent run in the first half and was very lively in Bukayo Saka’s usual position on the right. Took a battering from James Tarkowski, who twice went through him with big challenges.

Leandro Trossard 5

Struggled to make any impact on the game in a disappointing final appearance of the season.

Kai Havertz 7

Scored the winner from close range after good work by Gabriel Jesus and Odegaard. Headed onto the woodwork in the second half – albeit from an offside position. Pressed well from the front.

Read those ratings in full here!

Post-match thoughts from Kai Havertz

18:24 , Matt Verri

The German’s late winner not enough to fire Arsenal to the title.

Martin Odegaard addresses the fans

18:15 , Matt Verri

“We're all a little bit disappointed. Planning so long for the big dream, we were so close. So proud of everyone at the club and the fans.

“We've changed the club. I think you all believe in us now.

“We're in a good way. We were closer than last year. We have to come back even stronger, even more hungry. We have to push the dream.”

Simon Collings at the Emirates

18:09 , Matt Verri

 PA announcer blaring out Sweet Caroline, the go-to song whenever anyone needs to lift the mood.

Malik Ouzia at the Emirates

18:04 , Matt Verri

A real mixed atmosphere here.

Lots of applause for Arsenal, a few choruses of Kai Havertz’s song, but then chants of “cheats” whenever Manchester City’s players are shown on the screen.

FT: Arsenal 2-1 Everton

18:02 , Matt Verri

It’s all over.

Arsenal win on the final day but they fall just short in the Premier League title race.

Home fans making plenty of noise - huge pride in their side.

Arsenal 2-1 Everton

17:58 , Matt Verri

90+3 mins: Arsenal fans going to enjoy these last couple of minutes, regardless of events in Manchester.

It’s 16 wins in 18 matches in 2024 for the Gunners. Can’t do much more than that.

Arsenal 2-1 Everton

17:55 , Matt Verri

90+1 mins: VAR check for handball, referee over to the monitor... but he lets the goal stand.

Five minutes added on.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Everton | Kai Havertz 89'

17:53 , Matt Verri

Arsenal do have their goal!

At last. Jesus slides in Odegaard, he’s clean through. Not convincing from the Arsenal captain, but it rolls into Havertz’s path and he has the simplest of finishes.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:52 , Matt Verri

88 mins: Havertz... heads over. Chances are coming fairly regularly, Arsenal not at their clinical best.

At the Etihad, Soucek thinks he has pulled one back for West Ham, but VAR chalks it off. It’s still 3-1 Man City.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:51 , Matt Verri

86 mins: All Arsenal now, piling forward in search of a late winner.

Jesus’ curled effort is headed away by Branthwaite. Could have gone anywhere, as it is it’s a corner.

Odegaard swings it in, Everton clear the danger again.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:47 , Matt Verri

83 mins: Off the bar again - just not happening for the Gunners.

Martinelli stands up the cross, Smith Rowe’s volley bounces into the ground and up onto the woodwork.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:45 , Matt Verri

80 mins: It’s all very scrappy.

Arsenal a long, long way from their best so far this afternoon. Feels like those early City goals, and the impact it had on the crowd, derailed things.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:42 , Matt Verri

77 mins: Arsenal keeping the ball, but struggling to create much in the way of clear-cut chances.

Everton rock solid at the back. Very little space.

Another change for the hosts. Jesus replaces Trossard.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

17:39 , Matt Verri

Jordan Pickford has been superb today. Made a number of brilliant saves to keep Arsenal out.

Bodes well for England this summer.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:37 , Matt Verri

73 mins: Welcome back...

Timber has a booking on his long-awaited return. Slides in and brings McNeil down, halting a dangerous Everton counter.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:36 , Matt Verri

72 mins: How have Arsenal not scored?!

Odegaard six yards out, blasts an effort at goal but a combination of Branthwaite and Pickford keeps it out.

Smith Rowe then somehow denied from the rebound. Incredible defending.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:34 , Matt Verri

69 mins: Two Arsenal changes - hugely popular ones too.

Timber and Smith Rowe on, replacing White and Partey.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:31 , Matt Verri

67 mins: Off the bar!

Martinelli drifts inside, clips a ball into the middle and Havertz powers a header off the woodwork. Inches away.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:28 , Matt Verri

63 mins: Calvert-Lewin from distance, curling effort is destined for the far corner but Raya claims it at full stretch.

Everton still very much eyeing a final-day win themselves...

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:26 , Matt Verri

62 mins: Flat again at the Emirates now. Hope draining away.

Arsenal need to win this match though, want to go into the summer knowing they did everything they could.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:24 , Matt Verri

59 mins: Gabriel forced off, that right shoulder is causing him a real issue.

Zinchenko coming on for the final half an hour so. Tomiyasu will move inside.

Some bad news coming from the Etihad... Man City lead 3-1. Rodri has extended the lead.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

17:22 , Matt Verri

Arteta has a quick chat with Martinelli during a break in play.

Waving his hands and calling for Arsenal to raise the tempo.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:22 , Matt Verri

57 mins: Better spell for Everton, keeping the ball nicely. All starting to get edgy again.

Toffees are playing with plenty of confidence, Arsenal haven’t been fully at it since the break.

Gabriel has gone down off the ball - his afternoon could be coming to a premature end.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:19 , Matt Verri

54 mins: Gabriel and Doucoure challenging for the ball, Everton man is pulling the Arsenal defence back.

Then a bit of a mess as Gabriel launches himself to the ground, holding his shoulder. Yellow card for Doucoure.

Everton midfielder did kick out, a couple of times.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:15 , Matt Verri

51 mins: Partey clips a ball over the top, White is in but he can’t quite get there. Bounces behind for a goal-kick.

Bit of a strange experience for Arsenal this afternoon - attacking the Clock End in the second-half. They’re usually charging towards the North Bank.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

17:12 , Matt Verri

47 mins: Decent start from the Gunners.

Martinelli whips the cross in, Havertz up above Tarkowski and nods the header just wide. Not many beat the Everton man in the air.

Back underway!

17:09 , Matt Verri

Here we go then. 45 minutes to decide the Premier League season.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

17:06 , Matt Verri

There's a brass band playing in the concourse here at half-time, lifting the mood a bit.

Gallows humour changing to hope, again. Dangerous for Arsenal fans.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

17:02 , Matt Verri

Atmosphere had the wind taken out of it by City's two early goals and then Everton's deflected opener. Arsenal responded well after that.

News of Kudus' goal giving the fans hope, too. 45 minutes of the season to go.

Crucial goal!

16:58 , Matt Verri

Man City cruising, Everton in front...

It was turning into an afternoon to forget for Arsenal. Tomiyasu’s goal, so soon after the Everton opener, was a big one.

HT: Arsenal 1-1 Everton

16:54 , Matt Verri

And that’s half-time.

Tomiyasu’s goal equalised after Gueye’s deflected opener.

That lifted the mood somewhat, and news of Kudus pulling one back at the Etihad really lit the fire.

Still life in the title race?

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

16:52 , Matt Verri

45+6 mins: Arsenal well on top, buoyed by the home fans.

Ball played back to Partey, whips a first-time effort a fair way over the bar.

Malik Ouzia at the Emirates

16:50 , Matt Verri

The celebration in here for Tomiyasu’s goal was one of defiance, Arsenal fans determined to at least finish this season in style.

But just as soon as it died down the replay came up of Kudus’s goal and that brought an even bigger cheer. Hope has been restored.

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

16:49 , Matt Verri

45+3 mins: More big celebrations at the Emirates - the Arsenal fans seem to think it’s 2-2 at the Etihad.

It isn’t. Everyone calm down!

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

16:48 , Matt Verri

45+2 mins: Seven minutes added on.

And it is LOUD at the Emirates now. Massive response to West ham pulling one back.

This title race isn’t quite done yet...

Simon Collings at the Emirates

16:47 , Matt Verri

Arsenal fans raising the noise as news of the Mohammed Kudus goal for West Ham filters round. It’s 2-1 at the Etihad.

Arteta joked pre-match he didn't need to have anyone keeping him updated on the score, as 60,000 people would.

Dan Kilpatrick at the Emirates

16:45 , Matt Verri

Great response from Arsenal, who calmly play through Everton to equalise.

The goals have lifted the atmosphere here. Arsenal now have a game to win, even if the title is slipping away.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Everton | Takehiro Tomiyasu 43'

16:44 , Matt Verri

Immediate response!

Odegaard’s cut-back picks out Tomiyasu, and the full-back’s first-time finish is fired past Pickford. Brilliant strike.

Arsenal 0-1 Everton

16:43 , Matt Verri

42 mins: Nothing Raya could do once that ball smacked off Rice.

Arsenal fans trying to rally their side, attempting to lift the mood on what has turned into a really flat afternoon.

Everton supporters having a lovely old time in north London.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

16:42 , Matt Verri

Arteta frantically clapping his hands after that goal and trying to get his team going. Arsenal don't want to end on a whimper.

GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Everton | Idrissa Gana Gueye 40'

16:41 , Matt Verri

Everton the counter, Partey can only bring McNeil down. Yellow card for the Arsenal midfielder, free-kick 25 yards out.

Gueye to take, deflected... AND IN!

Everton take a shock lead at a stunned Emirates.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:38 , Matt Verri

37 mins: Martinelli going to carry on for now.

He’s unimpressed by how long he has to wait until Michael Oliver eventually gives him the signal to trot back on.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:36 , Matt Verri

35 mins: Martinelli looks to be clean through, but Tarkowski comes flying in and knocks the ball away.

Got the ball, brilliant challenge. Martinelli kicked Tarkowski’s boot, in a lot of pain.

On come the physios, after Odegaard almost tripped over the Brazilian while he was lying on the ground and play continued.

Malik Ouzia at the Emirates

16:35 , Matt Verri

The immediate response to that Foden second was silence. Then a few fans tried to rouse with a chant of “We hate Tottenham”.

Very quickly, it morphed into “We hate West Ham”.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:34 , Matt Verri

33 mins: Now Arsenal pushing, Havertz with a couple of efforts blocked in quick succession before the Everton bodies then go flying in in front of Gabriel.

Rice wins a header at the back post, nodded back into the six-yard box and Everton hack the ball away.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:33 , Matt Verri

31 mins: Off the post!

And then into the side-netting. Everton should be in front.

The Toffees break well, Gueye playing the ball inside to Calvert-Lewin. Sweeps an effort onto the post, and then can’t hit the target with the rebound.

Dan Kilpatrick at the Emirates

16:30 , Matt Verri

Hope is draining from the Emirates and, as the players stop for a water break, many fans are heading up towards the concourses for a half-time drink or pie, with more than 15 minutes of the half to play.

Phil Foden's double has killed off the jeopardy and drama.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:30 , Matt Verri

29 mins: Onana has gone down off the ball, so both sets of players are over to the touchline for a team talk.

Imagine Arteta won’t be desperate to tell his side the score at the Etihad...

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:28 , Matt Verri

27 mins: Better spell for Arsenal, building the pressure on the Everton defence.

Havertz moves into the box, onto his left and patiently works the space for a shot on his left foot. Pretty tame in the end, blocked.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:26 , Matt Verri

25 mins: Ball pinged out to Martinelli, he nods it into the path of Odegaard.

Arsenal captain tries to reverse it back to Martinelli, but Everton get enough bodies back.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

16:24 , Matt Verri

If the atmosphere could get much flatter here, it just has.

Phil Foden the most unpopular man in north London.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:23 , Matt Verri

22 mins: Another Arsenal corner, Rice to the near post this time and Calvert-Lewin heads clear.

Foul given anyway, Gabriel a bit too keen to get involved with some shoving.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:22 , Matt Verri

21 mins: It’s 2-0 at the Etihad, Phil Foden has scored a second for Man City.

The title race is pretty much over, and the Arsenal fans inside the Emirates know it, looking at their faces.

Arsenal will want to finish strongly though and win this match, at the very least.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:18 , Matt Verri

17 mins: At the other end, Everton break and win a free-kick in a great position. 25 yards out.

Calvert-Lewin or McNeil? It’s Calvert-Lewin... into the wall. Gabriel took that flush in the face, judging by his reaction.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:17 , Matt Verri

16 mins: Big chance for Arsenal to take the lead!

Martinelli with the nutmeg, in on goal and it’s not the cleanest of strikes. Still a strong hand from Pickford.

Havertz and Martinelli following up, but Everton scramble it clear.

Dan Kilpatrick at the Emirates

16:16 , Matt Verri

After such a carnival atmosphere at kick-off, the Emirates is now a little subdued.

It is somehow fitting of this relentless City team that they only allowed the excitement to last for just over a minute.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:15 , Matt Verri

14 mins: Trossard’s volley takes a deflection off Coleman, Pickford does well to turn it behind for a corner.

Deep from Rice, Pickford off his line to palm it away to safety.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:13 , Matt Verri

11 mins: Gueye loses the ball, Arsenal can counter with Everton slightly exposed.

Rice drives into the area, Onana slides in and pokes the ball away.

Branthwaite then plays an awful pass to Havertz, falls for Rice in the box. Tame effort is saved.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:09 , Matt Verri

8 mins: Partey with a shanked clearance, gifts Everton a cheap corner.

Tarkowski’s header loops up, Raya fumbles at the first attempt but then claims. Whistle has gone anyway.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

16:07 , Matt Verri

I think the news of that City goal has started to filter through here. Just got a little bit quieter.

Everton fans singing: "You nearly won the League."

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:07 , Matt Verri

6 mins: Rice with a lovely ball to the back post, Tomiyasu has space but he makes a bit of a mess of the header.

Just hits him in the end, bobbles wide of the far corner. Should score.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:06 , Matt Verri

5 mins: Bad news, Arsenal fans.

Man City have taken the lead after about a minute. Foden with a brilliant strike.

As it stands, nothing the Gunners do will be enough.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:05 , Matt Verri

4 mins: Martinelli played in down the sides, cut back falls for Tomiyasu.

Running onto it, 12 yards out and his effort is blocked. Arsenal have flown out of the blocks.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

16:03 , Matt Verri

2 mins: Arsenal straight on the front foot, the Emirates absolutely bouncing.

Havertz with an optimistic effort early on, slashed wide. Arsenal camped in the Everton half.

KICK-OFF!

16:01 , Matt Verri

Up and running on the final day!

Here. We. Go.

15:57 , Matt Verri

The teams are out at the Emirates.

Strap in. The final 90 minutes of the title race is here.

Henry: City unlikely to collapse

15:55 , Matt Verri

Thierry Henry has admitted he is not hugely hopeful of a Man City slip-up this afternoon, fearing Arsenal will come up just short.

“It’s in their hands, it’s them,” Henry said.

“I’ve seen them doing it so many times, I’ve seen them not collapsing, so it bothers me to think that they will.

“The fan [in me] on the other side is like, you never know what can happen.”

Malik Ouzia at the Emirates

15:51 , Matt Verri

They’re currently playing Oasis’s Supersonic over the speaker system in here.

A strange choice on this day of all days but the Arsenal fans are drowning it out.

Not long now!

15:48 , Matt Verri

Kick-off just over ten minutes away.

The sun is shining, the Emirates is filling up. In a couple of hours time, it could be an almighty party getting underway.

Few fans already have their radios out, ready to keep up to date with matters at the Etihad. Old school.

Arsenal fans doing everything they can...

15:42 , Matt Verri

After having to support Tottenham on Tuesday, Arsenal fans are as much behind West Ham as their own side today, writes Dan Kilpatrick.

There's a kid just in front of the press box holding up a Hammers home shirt with Soucek on the back and on the concourse fans are singing “I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles”.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

15:39 , Matt Verri

Tony Adams pitch-side here, conducting plenty of interviews.

Most impressive of all, he's wearing a red three-piece suit. Must be roasting.

Arteta: It can be done

15:35 , Matt Verri

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal still believe they can win the title this afternoon, but warned their full focus must be in north London, not Manchester.

“It can be done,” Arteta tells TNT Sports.

“It’s going to be a special day, we need to be focused on what we have to do here.

“We need to do our job, it’s not in our hands, but for sure that duty is on us.”

Simon Collings at the Emirates

15:28 , Matt Verri

Spoke to an Arsenal-supporting friend of mine on the way here.

He's made an "emotional hedge" today by betting on both Arsenal AND City to drop points.

"I can't take us losing the title like that," he said. 40/1 if you are wondering.

Anything to ease the nerves

15:25 , Matt Verri

There are a group of people in a pub in Holloway currently in the middle of a game of Monopoly, writes Malik Ouzia.

I kid you not. Hate to think where the top hat could end up if Arsenal score early.

View from the Emirates...

15:19 , Matt Verri

A boost in the Everton dressing room seeing no Bukayo Saka on the team sheet?

Gunners forced into change

15:12 , Matt Verri

Just the one change for Arsenal and it’s a big one, with Saka missing out to a slight muscle injury.

Martinelli comes into the side to replace him, while Jurrien Timber is on the bench and in the squad for the first time since the opening day of the season.

Everton unchanged from their win over Sheffield United, while Andre Gomes misses out on the chance to make one final appearance before his summer departure.

Big blow for Arsenal

15:06 , Matt Verri

News of Bukayo Saka’s absence spread like Chinese whispers there along a queue of Arsenal fans waiting to get into a pub on the Holloway Road, writes Malik Ouzia.

Inside, a big cheers goes up as West Ham’s players are shown on the screen arriving at the Etihad.

Everton team news

15:03 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Pickford; Coleman, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Young; Garner, Gueye, Onana, McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Virginia, Crellin, Keane, Beto, Godfrey, Chermiti, Warrington, Hunt, Dobbin

Arsenal team news

15:02 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz.

Subs: Ramsdale, Timber, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Jorginho, Vieira, Smith Rowe, Jesus, Nketiah

Stand by...

14:55 , Matt Verri

Teams news from the Emirates coming up in the next few minutes.

Sounds like there could be a surprise in the Arsenal starting lineup - Bukayo Saka potentially on the bench.

All will be revealed very shortly.

Arteta reflects on painful Son moment

14:47 , Matt Verri

Mikel Arteta has revealed he had his head in his hands watching Heung-min Son’s dramatic missed chance against Manchester City and, if he could have picked one player to be in that position, it would have been the Tottenham captain.

Pep Guardiola’s side claimed a valuable 2-0 win but they were fortunate to hold on, with Spurs missing a huge chance when 1-0 down after Stefan Ortega denied Son in the final minutes when he was through on goal.

“If I had to pick a player in the Premier League for that moment, it probably would be him (Son),” said Arteta.

“Michael Jordan explained it many times, how many times he had the winning shot. It was always him.

“Sometimes yes, sometimes he did not manage to do it. This is the beauty of sport, as well. What can you do?”

Arteta has revealed he watched the game at home with his family and had his head in his hands after Son’s missed chance.

“My kids running around the table and going like this [head in hands],” said Arteta. “I was. To be honest, I was.”

Malik Ouzia at the Emirates

14:39 , Matt Verri

There’s a brass band playing on the Emirates concourse in the sunshine and they’re going through a predictable playlist of Arsenal chants.

More organically, the queue for the outside toilets has just embarked on a chorus of “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles”.

Gabriel hails Rice impact

14:32 , Matt Verri

Gabriel has spoken of his surprise at Declan Rice's impact at Arsenal in his first season at the club.

Rice moved from east London to north as the Gunners parted with £105million last summer to sign the former West Ham captain, who has transformed their midfield and be key to another title bid.

Gabriel knew of Rice's talents but the defender says his expectations were blown away.

“I didn’t expect it to be honest," Gabriel told the club's official website. “I had watched Declan before and knew he was a top player. He’s been having a big impact on the team here and really helping us out so we’re happy to have him.

"He has so much quality and can play in two or three different positions so of course we’re thrilled to have him in the team."

Still hope for the Gunners!

14:24 , Matt Verri

We’ve been speaking to some Arsenal fans in north London, with kick-off just over 90 minutes away.

They’ve not given up on the title yet, but there is a real sense of pride in this Arsenal team, whatever happens today.

Ramsdale dismisses transfer talk

14:17 , Matt Verri

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has appeared to rubbish claims that he has already agreed to join Newcastle.

Reports from Sky Sports on Friday claimed that the England stopper had given his approval to a summer switch to St James’ Park after losing his starting spot under Mikel Arteta this season to Brentford loanee David Raya, who is expected to complete a permanent £27million move to north London imminently.

However, Ramsdale seemed to quash such speculation by taking to his official account on X with the simple three-word message: “News to me.”

The Daily Telegraph subsequently claimed that Newcastle were indeed pushing ahead with a deal to sign the 26-year-old for a potential fee of around £15m as they seek competition for Nick Pope.

Could have been so different

14:10 , Matt Verri

Man City in control of the title race, after they beat Tottenham in midweek in what was their game in hand.

Plenty of Spurs fans were very keen for their side to lose, desperate not to help Arsenal in the title race, but the Gunners were very nearly handed a big helping hand.

Heung-min Son, clean through... saved.

Had he scored and Spurs earned a point, it would be Arsenal sitting top of the table right now.

Guardiola: Arsenal will beat Everton

14:02 , Matt Verri

Pep Guardiola has told Everton to “forget” about causing an upset against Arsenal on the final day of the season.

While City will retain their title if Mikel Arteta’s fail to beat the Toffees at home, Guardiola believes his side would be foolish to rely on that happening.

“What I said to the players, the last two or three games, is that [a repeat of] Aston Villa winning at Emirates and Crystal Palace winning at Liverpool is not going to happen again,” Guardiola said on Friday.

"At that moment, the destiny is on our hands. But if you are waiting for them to drop points again, you are wrong.

"If you are thinking Arsenal is going to lose at Old Trafford, forget about it. If you are thinking Everton are going do something [on Sunday], forget about it.

"This is not going to happen.”

Trophy waiting for both sides

13:54 , Matt Verri

The Premier League will have identical trophies waiting at the Etihad and Emirates Stadium this afternoon, ensuring they are ready to throw a title party at either venue.

City will be crowned champions if they beat West Ham, but any slip-up could let in Arsenal.

With more than 200 miles separating the Etihad and the Emirates, the Premier League will have trophies at both grounds.

There are two Premier League trophies, which are identical and include an engraved base detailing past champions. During the season, one trophy stays with the champions and the other is used by the Premier League. Both are engraved after the final day.

Identical podiums and pyrotechnics will be in place at the Emirates and the Etihad for a trophy presentation.

There will be 40 medals at each ground. Every player who has made five Premier League appearances this season will get a medal, and the rest distributed to the manager, players and officials as the club sees fit.

Doucoure: Everton can be troublemakers

13:46 , Matt Verri

Abdoulaye Doucoure has warned Arsenal that Everton are ready to play the “troublemaker” role.

The Toffees have little to play for on the final day, having already secured their Premier League survival, but Doucoure has insisted he and his team-mates are ready to halt any potential celebrations in north London.

“Why not [spoil the party]?” the Everton midfielder said.

“You have to play your best. That’s true that the world is watching. It’s a good pressure and challenge for us as well because no one gives you anything in the Premier League.

“If we have to be the troublemaker in the Premier League against Arsenal, then why not?”

Stage is set!

13:38 , Matt Verri

It’s a glorious afternoon in north London... will it be a triumphant one?

Arteta puts off contract talks

13:30 , Matt Verri

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has assured fans that he will sit down for talks with the club over his future “when the time is right”.

Arteta will have just one year remaining on his contract this summer. The Gunners boss is predicting an “emotional” day whatever the result this afternoon, but once the dust has settled he will hold talks over his future.

Asked about discussions over his contract situation, Arteta said: “That’s something that after the season, or whenever the right time is, we will talk and sit down.

“What is important is to win now, to keep believing that we can continue to win. That’s the important thing.

“Whatever happens, it will be very emotional on the day [against Everton]. It’s probably not the right moment to make any conclusions but afterwards we will have time to reflect.

“You have to go through the season we have to come to the point we have done and try to understand why. We have to find the ‘why’ and the ‘how’, we are going to do the next bit. That’s more important.”

Elneny confirms Arsenal departure

13:18 , Matt Verri

Mohamed Elneny, Arsenal’s current longest-serving player, has confirmed that he will be leaving the club this summer after eight-and-a-half years.

The Egyptian midfielder, 31, has been in north London since 2016 but will officially bid farewell to the Gunners when his contract expires at the end of the season.

In a heartfelt video addressed to Arsenal fans on social media, Elneny said on Friday: "Gooners, I'm here today to send you a message, to say goodbye and thank you for everything you've done for me.

"The love, the support and the kindness. I'm really going to miss you so much and you'll be in my heart forever.

"I wanted to say how much I love you and how much you mean to me. I will never forget the way you supported me.

"I'm going to see you on Sunday at the Emirates to say goodbye face to face, see you then."

Fifth time a Man City race has gone the distance

13:09 , Matt Verri

2011/12

The "Agueeeerrrroooooooooooo" moment. City were consumed by nerves against QPR at the Etihad and trailed 2-1 before they scored twice in 125 seconds in injury time in the greatest climax to a league season since Arsenal's 1989 triumph at Anfield. Edin Dzeko equalised with a 92nd-minute header and Sergio Aguero secured their first title with 94 minutes on the clock.

2013/14

Things were a bit more straightforward this time, after Liverpool had collapsed in the final weeks of the season. A comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham was enough to finish the job.

2018/19

A 4-1 win at Brighton meant City pipped Liverpool to the title, despite Jurgen Klopp's side claiming 97 points. City did fall behind in the first half but quickly equalised and any tension had been removed after little over an hour.

2021/22

Another day when City almost threw it away on a day of drama to the very last. The title was slipping from their grasp when they went 2-0 down at home to Aston Villa with 14 minutes left. Three goals in six magical minutes at the Etihad secured the title ahead of Liverpool, but Pep Guardiola's side showed they are not exempt from nerves.

Odegaard: All we can do is beat Everton

12:59 , Matt Verri

Martin Odegaard has urged his Arsenal team-mates to not let their thought drift to matters in Manchester.

The Gunners need a slip-up from Man City if they are to win the title today, but the Arsenal captain insists the focus needs to solely be on the Gunners doing their job.

“Anything can happen in football – we’ve seen stranger things happen before so the main thing is to just look at it as another game we have to win,” Odegaard writes in his programme notes.

“That’s all we can do. We can’t control anything else. It’s down to us to ensure we have a good end to the season, finish with a win at home and then we’ll see. There is just one game left, so let’s go and win it.“I know it will be impossible not to know what’s going on in the other game – I’m sure you will let us know what’s happening there! It’s down to controlling our emotions and concentrating on what we can do.”

Moyes must rewrite history to deny Man City

12:51 , Matt Verri

That David Moyes’s dismal away record against England’s biggest clubs appears to offer Arsenal little hope of a helping hand at the Etihad comes with a cruel irony: were it a little worse, they would not need one.

West Ham’s victory over the Gunners in north London just after Christmas was Moyes’s first-ever away league win at one of the division’s ‘big four’ (Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool) and will be the easiest result to scapegoat as having cost Mikel Arteta’s side the title should the final day go to likeliest script.

There is little in Moyes’s recent history with City to suggest that it will not. Against a pre- and newly-monied club, there was some success, but since leaving Everton more than a decade ago, his only victory over the country’s dominant force came on penalties in the League Cup. A draw would, of course, do for Arsenal, but at the Etihad, as West Ham boss, Moyes has lost five out of five.

The Scot was not exactly in bullish mood last weekend when joking that his team might struggle to beat City’s Under-14s, a comment the conspiracy theorists will no doubt leap back to once they have finished determining the intent of Heung-min Son’s dramatic late miss for Tottenham on Tuesday night.

Read more on that here!

Dyche: Not bothered by title drama

12:41 , Matt Verri

Sean Dyche has insisted he has “no interest” in Arsenal’s final-day bid for the Premier League title, insisting his full focus is on Everton’s performance.

"I'm not bothered with it,” the Toffees boss said at his pre-match press conference.

“It's more about us continuing the thought process and mentality we've put in place this season. We're on a good show of form for our own reasons and it's about keeping that mentality going into the final game. It's more focusing on us going and performing."

“It'll be very difficult. The way they've performed and grown as the season's gone on, they're a top side.”

Arsenal not debuting new kit

12:32 , Matt Verri

Arsenal will wear their current home kit this afternoon, despite launching a new shirt.

Clubs routinely unveil their new home kits before the last game of the season and debut it then, as Arsenal did last year against Wolves.

The Gunners, however, have opted to stick with this season’s kit for the showdown with Everton as the Premier League title is still on the line.

City, like Arsenal, also launched a new home shirt this week but are also understood to be sticking with their current kit.

City debuted their new home kit on the last day of last season, but by that point they had already lifted the title. They returned to their old shirt for the Champions League and FA Cup finals.

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website