Arsenal legend makes Premier League title admission following Brighton defeat

Mikel Arteta’s side were left four points behind current leaders Manchester City after an Ilkay Gundogan brace and an Erling Haaland header helped the frontrunners claim a 3-0 win at struggling Everton earlier on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal had a chance to keep up the pressure on City with a win against the Seagulls - but the visitors continued their impressive record at the Emirates Stadium with a 3-0 win that means they have lost just one of six visits in all competitions. The events of Sunday afternoon mean City now need just one win from their remaining three games to retain the Premier League title - and Vieira insisted he can not see any other outcome than the trophy heading to the Etihad Stadium.

He told Sky Sports: “I am really sorry to say that but it would be impossible for City to let that go now. It was a must-win game for Arsenal and today they did not play the games we are waiting for. There was a lack of energy and it looked like the result of City really killed their legs because today they did not do enough to win the game.”

Vieira’s long-term midfield rival Roy Keane was also part of the broadcaster’s punditry team at the Emirates and the former Manchester United captain revealed his admiration for the Gunners’ performances during the season and refused to be ‘too hard’ on Arteta’s men.

“Arsenal just looked like they’d ran out of steam,” he explained.

“Psychically, mentally, considering they aren’t in any other competitions, they looked like they’d just come off the back of a tough European game. They were short of ideas, the squad just came up short, but we can’t be too hard on Arsenal because it’s been a very good season but today they were nowhere near good enough.”