The Power Of The King Makers

Every team that we play against until the end of the season has the power to influence whether Arsenal are still contenders for the top four place. However, I want to focus on a couple of teams that there is a little bit more attached to the outcome of their results which could lead to sub plot/conspiracy theory or a bit of intrigue.

Last Friday, although there were questions over Slaven Bilic's position as a manager and their subsequent position in league, nobody gave the Hammers a hope in their tie at the London Stadium against the form team Tottenham. However, West Ham raised their game and seemed to be motivated out of pure rivalry and enmity to end any realistic chances of Tottenham clinching the premier league title. Their next fixture is against Liverpool. Being relatively safe and the fact that there no such intense rivalry between West Ham and Liverpool, one could reason that there are no personal incentives for them to raise their game against Liverpool. The Hammers would be well aware of the implications of the results of this game as if they get a positive result it could inadvertently open the door for Arsenal to gain an advantage. Would they want that...do they care?

Should all the stars align and Arsenal are in pole position to gain top four, our last game is at home to Everton. If Everton beat us at home, they could in turn open the door for Liverpool to achieve the fourth champions league spot. Would they really want that? On the other hand, If they get smashed by Arsenal, I can guarantee that conspiracy theorists will be out of the wood work making cynical allegations.

For some teams there is more than just points hanging on the outcome of their ties, there is the complicated issue of person pride to equate into the mix. Ultimately I believe the premier league is ethical and honest but we are only human.