“Arsenal” was honored with a “honor guard” at the corner flagpole. In English football, a “honor guard” isn’t just a tradition, but a ritual of recognizing a team’s dominance. But this time, the “Canaries” received only a symbolic honor guard. The opponents didn’t line up in two lines in the middle of the field. Instead, they simply made a gesture at the corner flagpole. In a sense, it was a gesture of respect. But in reality, it was a cold calculation, a subtle hint that the title isn’t yet won, and that expectations around the club remain high.

The tradition of having a honor guard in the Premier League has long been a political tool. Clubs either applaud the new champions or ignore them completely. Choosing the “corner flagpole” option indicates that opponents recognize Mikel Arteta’s team’s progress, but they’re not ready to give it the status of an undisputed leader. It’s not a failure, but it’s also not a victory. It’s a football compromise, wrapped up in polite gestures.

For Londoners, this gesture is an extra motivator. Instead of walking along a path of applause, they have to prove their right to be at the top of the standings at every turn. And perhaps, the lack of a proper honor guard will be the fuel that will ignite Arsenal’s final push at the end of the season.

In football, respect isn’t given away. It’s earned. And if Arsenal wants to have a honor guard that stretches from the penalty area to the next one, they have only one option: to win. Without any gestures or corner flags.