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Man City 115 charges and points deduction reality as Arsenal's Premier League title hope explained

As things stand Arsenal are on track to do one thing they could not do in the past two seasons - topple Manchester City. 15 rounds of Premier League football have been played and Mikel Arteta's side lead the faltering champions by two points.

The only downside is that both Liverpool and Chelsea have appeared on the scene this season, currently sitting first and second respectively, and look like worthy challengers. The Gunners will need to reverse a six-point gap to Liverpool - which could grow to nine with their game in hand - over the next 23 English top-flight matches, and hope Chelsea also cede their two-point advantage.

But the biggest fear would be that Pep Guardiola rallies his side to victory once again. 2022/23, Arsenal held all the cards yet their rivals came out on top. It was the same story again last season.

As unlikely as them bouncing back from their current plight may seem, it can't ever be ruled out. In the context of the current season the title coming back to the Emirates Stadium would be huge, however where Man City are concerned there is a gargantuan battle afoot.

As of last Friday, December 6, Man City's much-anticipated three month-long hearing against the Premier League has concluded. A ruling is not expected until close to, if not after, the end of the 2024/25 season, then even after that appeals from either side could mean this case continues into the best part of next season.

Yet, the process could prove pivotal for what is to come and what has already happened. Should Man City be found guilty then punishment is likely.

We have seen in very recent times the Premier League are scared to exact these on rulebreakers - Everton and Nottingham Forest were dealt points deductions. Though perhaps supporters of Arsenal and Man City's other rivals would wish for the league to go down the route of relegation, expulsion, enormous fines, and the stripping of titles.

Reports initially stated it was 115 charges levied against the serial champions, though the number was later corrected to 130. These were all documented between 2009 and 2018.

The allegations against them refer to reporting inaccurate financial figures, use of related parties, and unaccounted managerial remunerations, amongst other serious claims. Between the start and end dates of all alleged financial misconduct charges, not once did the Gunners finish runners-up to Man City in the league.

Though it may be the argument of those situated at the Emirates Stadium that they have done so in each of the past two seasons, playing against a titan that signed a number of its key players and built much of its revenue to stay at the top of English football on a foundation of so-called cheating.

We know the punishments will be seismic, should Man City be found guilty - something they have always denied. But there is no precedent set for such a case in the history of football, or a guarantee the past two seasons will be covered, which is ultimately why Arsenal cannot get too hung up on the matter.

All Arteta can realistically do is keep his own players focused on the here and now, get ready for their match against AS Monaco then the Premier League fixtures to follow. That is the script until the end of the season, when they will know if they are 2024/25 champions or not.

There is a Premier League title to be won here, now, in the 2024/25 season. At the moment it will not be Man City finishing top, so Arsenal need to try make sure it's them instead.

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