Need to know
Arsenal and Manchester City could finish the Premier League level on points and we've taken a look at the tiebreakers that would come into play if that happens
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are locked in a fight for the Premier League title(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
What will happen if Arsenal and Man City finish level on points in the Premier League?
The context: Arsenal and Manchester City have been duelling at the top of the table since the start of the season. But what happens if they both end up level on points, as is looking increasingly likely as the end of the season approaches?
Goal difference: This is the first and most common factor used to separate teams who are tied on points at the end of the 38-game season. It is calculated by subtracting the total goals conceded from the total goals scored. Arsenal and City are closely tied in this department, which means it likely will be a factor come the end of the season.
Goals scored: If the teams cannot be separated by goal difference, the team that has scored the higher total number of goals throughout the season will be ranked higher. This was famously used in 1989 when the Gunners clinched the title from Liverpool.
Head-to-head: If goal-based metrics cannot separate the teams, the record in the two matches played between them this season is analysed. This has not been used to decide a Premier League title so far.
Head-to-head record: If it does come down to head-to-heads, then Man City hold a clear advantage, having taken four points from Arsenal via a 1-1 draw in September and a 2-1 victory on April 19. If the above metrics are all tied and it comes down to just head-to-head encounters, City would be declared champions.
Head-to-head away goals: Given City's victory over Arsenal at the Etihad, this metric will not need to be used. However, just for context, the next way of separating the teams would be whichever team has scored the most away goals in their head-to-head meetings. This would be City, but as they've already secured the head-to-head tie breaker anyway, it doesn't matter.
Neutral venue play-off: As per the above, this scenario is also no longer possible. But if the other metrics are all tied, then a one off play-off would be used to decide the fate of the title. This has never been used in Premier League history and it won't be used this season either.
Who they've got on the final day: If both teams are still in contention on the final day of the season, neither have particularly easy matches. City are at home to Aston Villa, while Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace.
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