Pep Guardiola defends Manchester City over criticism of their exuberant celebrations
Pep Guardiola defends Manchester City over criticism of their exuberant celebrations
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Arsenal Football Newsletter
A new spanner was thrown into the works of the title race on Monday evening as Everton held Manchester City to a surprise draw.
Pep Guardiola’s side had been in fine late-season form and were quickly closing in on league-leading Arsenal.
They came into this match with two games in hand and a six-point gap to close, there was no margin for error as City visited the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.
They led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Jeremy Doku’s opener, but three goals in 13 minutes from Thierno Barry and Jake O’Brien left them staring a rare defeat in the face.
Erling Haaland pulled one back late on before Doku added a stunning equaliser to save his side a point, but City once again find themselves on the back foot in the title race.
City do still have a game in hand, which they will make up when they host Crystal Palace on May 13, but they are back in the familiar position of waiting for Arsenal to slip up if they are to claw back any territory in the table.
Here’s how the run-in looks for both title contenders...
Arsenal remaining Premier League fixtures
West Ham (A), May 10
Burnley (H), May 18
Crystal Palace (A), May 24
Man City remaining Premier League fixtures
Brentford (H), May 9
Crystal Palace (A), May 13
Bournemouth (A), May 19
Aston Villa (H), May 24
How many points do Arsenal need to win the Premier League title?
After losing at Everton, Man City can now win no more than 83 points this season.
Arsenal presently sit on 76, meaning they require seven points from a possible nine in their last three matches to confirm their status as Premier League champions.
After City’s defeat by Everton, Arsenal have a comfortable advantage on goal difference, should the two teams finish level on points. Their score of +41 gives them a comfortable cushion to City’s +37.
City do have a game in hand still to play, against Crystal Palace on May 13, but also have the added wrinkle of an FA Cup semi-final ahead of the final Premier League matchday. Similarly, Arsenal remain in contention for the Champions League, with a semi-final second-leg to be played this week.