Gary Lineker thinks Tottenham Hotspur ‘can’t’ do one thing amid the Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City as the end of the season draws near.

The 2023/24 campaign has entered its closing stages as Arsenal bid to win their first title in 20 years. But Manchester City hold control of the title race as they look to make history with a fourth consecutive crown. No team has lifted the title in more than three seasons in a row.

Arsenal must rely on Manchester City dropping points in their run-in to win the title, despite topping the table. The Gunners are above the Citizens by a single point but they have played a game more. Manchester City’s game in hand is also with Arsenal’s arch-rival, Tottenham.

Gary Lineker thinks Tottenham must try to beat Manchester City, even if it helps Arsenal

The Premier League had to postpone Manchester City’s trip to Tottenham originally planned for the weekend of April 20 after the Citizens reached the FA Cup semi-finals. Now, they will travel to north London on May 14 in between fixtures against Fulham and West Ham United.

An all-London run-in awaits Manchester City while Arsenal will see out their season away to Manchester United on Sunday and then at home to Everton. So, Mikel Arteta must rely on a rival club doing the Gunners a favour, and may even have to hope it comes from Tottenham.

READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best

Fulham boss Marco Silva has lost each of his 12 fixtures against Pep Guardiola, who has only lost to West Ham coach David Moyes once in 15 meetings. So, Tottenham may hold the keys to Arsenal’s title dreams. But Lineker believes Spurs cannot not try to beat Manchester City.

“You can’t go out and not try,” Lineker stated while speaking with Alan Shearer on The Rest is Football. “I spoke to a couple of Tottenham fans yesterday and both of them said, ‘No, we can’t help Arsenal to win the league’.

“I can never remember any conversation ahead of a match where you go, ‘[I’m] not sure I want to win today’. [It] could be another Aguero moment. I think you might be right [that Manchester City will win all of their games]. But this is football and you never know.”

Newcastle United could yet force Tottenham Hotspur to help Arsenal out in the title race

While Tottenham not trying to beat Manchester City would surprise Lineker, Spurs might not have much to play for against the Citizens other than denying Arsenal any chance to win the Premier League title. Spurs would certainly be loath to help their arch-rivals in any way, too.

READ MORE: The 8 worst Arsenal VAR decisions of all time in Premier League games

A run of four consecutive losses has left Tottenham facing an uphill fight to usurp Aston Villa for the final Champions League place. The Villans may have played a match more than Spurs but are seven points better off. But Spurs’ place in the Europa League may yet still be at risk.

Newcastle United have closed to within four points of Tottenham in their fight for fifth place. So, should the Toon beat Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday when Spurs host Burnley, the fight for fifth place may see Tottenham have to help Arsenal and try to beat Manchester City.