Arsenal have been handed three distinct Premier League title advantages over Manchester City, following a weekend that saw the Gunners seize control of the title race by defeating Fulham while City were held to a draw by Everton. Thursday evening's European results have further tilted the balance in Arsenal's favour.
Aston Villa's European Final Shakes Up the Title Race
With Aston Villa reaching the Europa League final against Freiburg, sixth place in the Premier League now guarantees Champions League football. This provides extra motivation for teams like Brentford and Bournemouth—two of City's remaining opponents—to take points off Pep Guardiola's side before Villa's final in Istanbul.
Crystal Palace could also play a pivotal role. Oliver Glasner's side face both City and Arsenal in the coming weeks. While not yet safe from relegation, they are likely to be secure by the time they host the Gunners on the final day. However, with a Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano just days after that match, Palace may prioritise rotation against Arsenal.
City also host Aston Villa on the final day, just days after their Europa League final, but the circumstances favour Arsenal more heavily. Brentford and Bournemouth's renewed Champions League ambitions, coupled with Palace's need for points before their final, could make Arsenal's last match a dead rubber.
Arsenal's Path to the Title
Mikel Arteta's side can clinch the title by winning all three remaining fixtures. They can even afford a draw against West Ham this weekend, as their superior goal difference would keep them top if City beat Brentford and Palace. After that, Arsenal host Burnley while City travel to Bournemouth.
All 10 fixtures on the final day will kick off simultaneously, but Arsenal hope the title is already secured by then, especially as they have a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest the following week.
Arsenal booked their place in the final by overcoming Atletico Madrid, and they seek revenge against PSG after being eliminated by them in last season's semi-finals. Luis Enrique's side, the holders, beat Inter in the final last year and aim for consecutive titles.
