The Premier League title race intensifies as Arsenal and Manchester City vie for supremacy. Arsenal seeks to end a 22-year drought after three consecutive runner-up finishes under Mikel Arteta. Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, thwarted their efforts in 2023 and 2024. Aston Villa trails in third under Unai Emery as the season nears its climax.
Arsenal’s Remaining Fixtures
Arsenal have played 26 matches, amassed 57 points, and hold a +32 goal difference.
Toughest Challenge
The mid-April away clash at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium looms largest, with only five league games left afterward. Arsenal last won there in January 2015, suffering a 4-1 defeat in April 2023 that derailed their campaign and settling for a 0-0 draw in March 2024. Recent resilience under Arteta positions them well for at least a point.
Potential Pitfall
Everton poses a sneaky threat despite a poor record at the Emirates. They boast the league’s fifth-best away form this season under David Moyes. The fixture slots between Champions League last-16 legs and a week before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, demanding full focus.
Final Stretch
May brings favorable home games against Fulham and Burnley. Fulham likely enters mid-table irrelevance, while relegation-threatened Burnley may already be doomed. Away trips to West Ham and Crystal Palace could turn tense if relegation battles heat up, though no top-half foes appear guaranteed.
Manchester City’s Remaining Fixtures
Manchester City have played 26 matches, sit on 53 points, and enjoy a +30 goal difference.
Toughest Challenge
Guardiola’s team must near perfection before hosting Arsenal. Key tests include away games at Leeds and Chelsea. Leeds remain unbeaten at home under the lights at Elland Road, making the 5:30pm kickoff daunting. Chelsea’s unpredictability shines at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer regaining form post-injury.
Potential Pitfall
Nottingham Forest eyes a third ‘new manager bounce’ this season. After disappointments with Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche, Vitor Pereira could spark a turnaround akin to his impact at Wolves last year.
Final Stretch
A tougher slate awaits: Brentford and Bournemouth, potential European chasers, feature in the last three, alongside a final-day home clash with Aston Villa. Emery’s side might secure Champions League spots or linger in contention, eased perhaps by a midweek Europa League final.
The showdown at the Etihad in mid-April defines the run-in’s first half. Arsenal’s pre- and post-Etihad schedule appears kinder, especially the closing games. Cup distractions, including the March 22 Carabao Cup final and progress in Champions League last-16 and FA Cup fifth round, will test squad depth for both contenders.
