Arsenal and Manchester City are set for a tense finish to the Premier League season, with the title likely decided in the final matches. The Gunners secured a crucial 1-0 victory over West Ham United following a dramatic injury-time VAR intervention that disallowed a late Hammers equaliser.
Title Race Update
Manchester City's 3-0 win over Brentford on Saturday had reduced Arsenal's lead to two points, with the Gunners holding a slender goal difference advantage of just one. Arsenal responded less than 24 hours later by facing relegation-threatened West Ham at the London Stadium. Mikel Arteta's side struggled to break down the stubborn Hammers defence until Leandro Trossard netted a vital goal in the 83rd minute.
David Raya's crucial save to deny Mateus Fernandez proved pivotal, and deep into stoppage time, West Ham thought they had equalised. However, a VAR check determined that Raya was fouled in the build-up, and the goal was disallowed. The result extended Arsenal's lead to five points, though City have a game in hand this week. Arsenal's destiny remains in their own hands.
Remaining Fixtures
Arsenal
- Vs Burnley (H) - Mon 18 May (8pm)
- Vs Crystal Palace (A) - Sun 24 May (4pm)
Arsenal should expect victory over Burnley at the Emirates, as the Clarets have already been relegated. A trip to Selhurst Park is never straightforward, but Arsenal may benefit from Crystal Palace's participation in the UEFA Conference League final, which takes place just days after the encounter. Palace could rotate with an eye on European glory.
Manchester City
- Vs Crystal Palace (H) - Wed 13 May (8pm)
- Vs Bournemouth (A) - Tues 19 May (7.30pm)
- Vs Aston Villa (H) - Sun 24 May (4pm)
City's game in hand comes as they welcome Palace, a fixture where Pep Guardiola's men would expect three points. The toughest test is likely the away trip to Bournemouth, who are chasing European football next season. Like Arsenal, City face a team in a European final on the final day, but Aston Villa's final is before the Etihad clash, meaning fatigue could play a part.
