Arsenal should hope for delayed Manchester City 115 charges decision to secure title accolade

Arsenal should be hoping that the process determining the outcome of Manchester City's alleged 115 financial breaches comes after the conclusion of the current season

Three years ago to the date, Manchester City were charged with breaching the Premier League's financial fair play rules over a nine-year period, from 2009 to 2018. While at the time it was believed the Premier League levelled 115 charges at the club, Sky Sports believes the number is in fact 130.

Man City deny all the charges against them and during this three-year period have pipped Arsenal to the title on two occasions. This time around, the Gunners are in pole position to claim the ultimate prize, one they have yearned for after a 22-year wait.

Many of the posited potential punishments that City could face if found guilty range from fines, to points deductions or even expulsion from the league. There is still no end in sight to the process, and hypothetically, were City to be found guilty, they could appeal the decision, extending it even further.

However, from a principled perspective, there is part of me that hopes any verdict comes after the season ends. Arsenal are the current favourites to lift the title and sit six points clear of a Man City side who do not look anywhere close to the side of two or three years ago.

Yet they remain a dangerous force and Arsenal’s victory over them this time around would remain a major accomplishment. But were they, in theory, to face any punishment which deducted points or worse this season, there would always be something of an asterisk then placed against the Gunners, whether they were due to win it or not.

Liverpool has faced similar low blows when it comes to their title during the Covid-19 pandemic, and often their fans have had to defend that season's victory. There are further rumours that this could be Pep Guardiola’s final season, and Mikel Arteta winning the title before his former mentor and colleague departs City would be a great achievement.

It would shut down any accusations that the Spaniard was unable to beat his well-known friend and confidante. Arteta has worked on this project for just over six years and to see it come to fruition regardless of any off-field drama would be brilliant to see.

If it comes later, then the discussions can be had then and in the context of knowing what the outcome of the process will be. For Arsenal, it is a simple case of getting the job done, which they now have the added flair of a cup final where Arteta and Guardiola will do battle at Wembley once again.