Manchester City have now taken control of the Premier League title race after convincingly beating current leaders Arsenal 4-1.
The Gunners previously held the keys to their first title in 19 years, but following three consecutive draws from favourable positions they needed a win against City to remain in the driver’s seat.
However, the dynamic duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland proved to be too powerful for the already-weakened defence of Arsenal, who are missing William Saliba.
Pep Guardiola’s side have gone from strength to strength this season as he fiddled with formations and systems. From his usual full-back inverting into midfield to Bernardo Silva being placed at left-back, to now seeing John Stones push up to partner Rodri.
As City push for the treble they have gone 10 games in the league undefeated and could possibly go four points above Arsenal if they win their games in hand.
As it stands the league could be won by City in their penultimate match.
Mikel Arteta’s men can reach 90 points if they win all their remaining matches, and should they have 87 points after playing Nottingham Forest on 20 May, City could reach an unassailable 91 points should they win their next six matches – a run which would see them win the title at Brighton on 24 May.
Remaining Premier League fixtures
Man City
- 30 April: Fulham (a)
- 3 May: West Ham (h)
- 6 May: Leeds (h)
- 14 May: Everton (a)
- 21 May: Chelsea (h)
- 24 May: Brighton (a)
- 28 May: Brentford (a)
Arsenal
- 2 May: Chelsea (h)
- 7 May: Newcastle (a)
- 14 May: Brighton (h)
- 20 May: Nott’m Forest (a)
- 28 May: Wolves (h)
Premier League table
Considering Arsenal’s form it may be a big ask for them to ride City’s coattails as they wait for them to potentially slip up. The red side of North London must still play Newcastle at St James’ Park as well as a tactically sound Brighton at the Emirates.
Guardiola will also have to manage possible banana-skin games such as Brighton, Brentford and a relegation-threatened Everton, but the form they are currently in suggests they will have little to fear. Even more so as one potential loss may not be too costly.
For Arsenal to win the league, Guardiola’s side must drop points in at least two games. The Gunners could win the league on the final day if they win their last five games and City pick up no more than 16 points (five wins and a draw) from their final seven games.
For City, the hunt for the treble may be the biggest hurdle, as it will present a test of fitness and mental strength alongside three extra games, including two legs against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final and FA Cup final against Manchester United – possibly four if they make it to the Atatürk Olympic Stadium to play either Milan or Inter in the Champions League final.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/yHbU67F
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