Mikel Arteta's Arsenal remain favourites for the Premier League title over Manchester City despite having suffered brutal cup disappointments in their last two games
Arsenal have a clear points tally they must reach to win the Premier League title
Arsenal have a clear points tally they must reach to win the Premier League title(Image: (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images))
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Arsenal must now shift their focus back to the Champions League and Premier League following their shock FA Cup elimination at the hands of Championship promotion-chasers Southampton on Saturday. The Gunners travel to Lisbon to face Sporting CP in the first leg of the quarter-finals as they look to take a decisive stride towards the semi-finals.
Mikel Arteta's men then return to Premier League action this Saturday for the first time since March 14 when they welcome Bournemouth to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal remain firmly in control of the title race, despite Manchester City being hot on their heels following their Carabao Cup final triumph at Wembley.
However, the Gunners technically require just 15 points - five consecutive wins from here - to clinch the trophy. The north London outfit have amassed 70 points from 31 games so far, while second-placed City have accumulated 61 points from 30 matches.
This means Arsenal could finish on 91 points if they win all of their remaining games, while City's maximum possible tally stands at 85. The crucial flashpoint comes when Arsenal make the trip to City on 19 April in a fixture that could dramatically alter the landscape.
Even if Arsenal were to lose, they would still hold the upper hand - the gap would stand at six points with City holding a game in hand - yet there would be a notable shift in momentum, particularly given recent results.
However, on the flip side, if they secured victory at the Etihad Stadium, they could wrap up the title as early as May 9 when they make the trip across London to take on West Ham.
To accomplish that, they would also need to overcome Newcastle (H) and Fulham (H), ensuring maximum points are claimed between now and that fixture.
Should Arsenal draw at City, a home win against Burnley would suffice, providing they also win their remaining prior fixtures.
Arsenal up against Man City in the Carabao Cup final
Arsenal face Manchester City in Premier League action later this month
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While City's game in hand against Crystal Palace (H) will be rescheduled later in the season, there is every chance City could drop points before their crunch clash with Arsenal as they head to Chelsea next.
Beyond that, City also face tricky away trips to Everton and Bournemouth, while also hosting Aston Villa on the final day of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's run-in looks relatively straightforward as they welcome Burnley, who are likely to have already been relegated, before heading to Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.
Opta have analysed the data and believe Arsenal's chances of clinching the title stand at 97.42 per cent.
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