Manchester City further reduced Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League after beating the league leaders in their top-of-the-table clash
Manchester City are in the driving seat to usurp Arsenal as Premier League leaders this week, following their crucial win over the Gunners.
Manchester City are in the driving seat to usurp Arsenal as Premier League leaders this week, following their crucial win over the Gunners.(Image: AP)
View Image
Manchester City have the opportunity to go top of the Premier League for the first time since August, if they beat Burnley. Erling Haaland scored the winner as City piled more pressure on Arsenal during their top-of-the-table showdown on Sunday.
The Gunners' lead continues to fade away after a downturn of form with Mikel Arteta's side threatened with another title race slip-up. Defeat to City means that the wobble for the North London club continues with just one win in all competitions since their 2-0 win over Everton.
The gap at the top of the table has been reduced to just three points with City travelling to relegation-threatened Burnley on Wednesday. But should they win by two or more goals, it will see them return to the summit with just five games remaining.
HEREHERE.
The game against Burnley will move Arsenal level on games played but their clash with Crystal Palace has yet to be scheduled. It leaves City now looking to see what the points total will be for them to regain the Premier League title.
It will hinge on how many games City win or points picked up compared to Arsenal in their remaining six matches.
Importantly, City need to go to Turf Moor and avoid slipping up to Scott Parker's side who could slip further towards a return to the Championship with defeat.
But the Clarets have been a pleasant opponent for Pep Guardiola's side, winning seven of their last nine matches in East Lancashire, including the last three in the Premier League to nil.
With Arsenal's run-in blemished further, the maximum number of points they can now get if they win all their remaining games is 15, taking them to 85 points. Similarly with City, where it would go to goal difference if they were to win their remaining six matches as they can take a maximum 18 points from their final six matches.
With goal difference potentially being the crucial factor in the title race, if both clubs finished on 85 points, as it stands there is just one goal in it in Arsenal's favour but City could damage the Gunners' confidence further by inflicting a heavy defeat on Scott Parker's side in midweek.
Arsenal also have the added distraction of the Champions League with their semi-final showdown with Atletico Madrid sandwiched between their Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United, Fulham and West Ham.
A lot will hinge on the visit from the Magpies this weekend as angst is expected to be prevalent at the Emirates Stadium, depending on the result in midweek for City.
Pressure is mounting on Eddie Howe after Newcastle's struggles and a much-needed win could see the noise surrounding his position at St James' Park ease.
City, meanwhile, are in FA Cup action next weekend and will be forced to watch on from afar.