We’re in the final few weeks of the season, and the title race is still on a razor edge, with the final day looking like the deciding factor. While Liverpool is still mathematically in contention, their drop-off means that the competition is now realistically between Manchester City and Arsenal. The Gunners are presently top of the table, one point ahead of City, despite Pep Guardiola’s team having a game in hand. Both teams show no symptoms of being affected by the pressure. They are responding to the challenge set before them.
Arsenal went four points clear at the top of the table with a 3-0 win over Bournemouth in Saturday’s early kick-off, but City reacted just a few hours later with a 5-1 home victory over Wolves. Erling Haaland scored four of the team’s five goals in his return to the starting lineup from injury.
The upcoming weekend will be City’s chance to try to put pressure on their opponents. They go to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the early kick-off on Saturday; a win will move them above Arsenal in the league ahead of their match against Manchester United the following day.
Both clubs are facing a critical few weeks. But two ties stand out as the ones where the Premier League title may be won or lost for either team; here’s a closer look at those two important games.
Manchester United vs Arsenal
Arsenal’s upcoming game this weekend is perhaps the most difficult of their two remaining fixtures. While a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United is unlikely to be as memorable as it once was, it remains a site where any side may make a mistake. If Arsenal fails to win the match against United, City will acquire even greater control. By the time the game at Old Trafford comes around on Sunday, City will have already played their match against Fulham (Saturday 12:30pm kick-off). It will be one of the few times when City fans will cheer on United.
Tottenham vs Man City
This is the most important game in the run-in since it represents City’s advantage over Arsenal in recent weeks. Despite Arsenal’s one-point lead over Guardiola’s team in the table, City has had the upper hand in the title battle due to their game in hand. That matchup comes just days before what might be a crucial final day. If the gap between Arsenal and City remains unchanged before of the encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a victory for City would put them ahead of Arteta’s team on the final day.
However, a loss would return the title to Arsenal’s hands at the end of the season. A draw would also benefit the Gunners, as they have a higher goal difference than City, who would require a six-goal swing on the last day.
