da betway: Mikel Arteta is backing Fulham to upset Manchester City in the title race after players were filmed flying kites in training.
da bet7: Article continues below
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Fulham players appeared relaxed in trainingFace Manchester City on SaturdayArteta hoping for a miracle at Craven CottageWHAT HAPPENED?
A number of Fulham's first team were filmed flying kites after training in West London, sparking fury from Arsenal fans on social media. It gave the impression that the Cottagers were not taking the upcoming showdown with Manchester City seriously but Arteta has labelled the event as a positive team bonding exercise.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT ARTETA SAID
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard said: "The power of team bonding, nobody knows what it is but sometimes you get amazing results with it. I've been in teams that have struggled to win a game and go out for dinner or do an activity and start an unbelievable run, so I'm very positive that that's going to happen to Fulham!"
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Elite football can't always be intense drills and serious meetings, there has to be some downtime and Fulham were having a relaxed moment that every team will experience across the week. When the stakes are so high, team bonding can be crucial and Gunners midfielder Jorginho hinted that Arsenal's recent warm-weather camp in Dubai had a major role in their resurgence in 2024.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARTETA AND ARSENAL?
Arsenal will be watching and waiting as City take on Fulham on Saturday before they travel to Manchester United for their penultimate game of the season. Regardless of the result at Craven Cottage, a win will keep them at the top of the Premier League until Pep Guardiola's men play Tottenham in their game in hand.