Premier League Title Race: Do Arsenal or Man City Have the Easier Run-In?
Arsenal are striving to end a 22-year Premier League title drought, but they confront a familiar adversary in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. The league is approaching another exhilarating finale, with Arsenal and Manchester City locked in a direct contest for the championship.
After three consecutive second-place finishes, Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, aim to finally secure the league crown. However, they must overcome Manchester City, who thwarted their title ambitions in both 2023 and 2024. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery and sitting in third, remain the closest challenger outside the top two as the season enters its decisive phase.
Arsenal's Run-In: A Detailed Look
Current Standings: Played: 26, Points: 57, Goal Difference: +32
Toughest Fixture: The trip to Manchester City in mid-April is undoubtedly the most critical, with only five league matches remaining afterward. Arsenal have not won at the Etihad Stadium since January 2015, and their title hopes were dashed there in a 4-1 defeat in April 2023. A cautious 0-0 draw followed in March 2024. Arsenal are positioned to potentially lead going into this clash, having demonstrated resilience under Arteta in recent years, making a draw crucial this time.
Potential Banana Skin: Everton pose a hidden threat. Despite a poor record at the Emirates, they boast the fifth-best away record this season under David Moyes. This match falls between the two legs of Arsenal's Champions League last-16 tie and a week before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. It is exactly the type of fixture where Arsenal cannot afford complacency.
Final Straight: On paper, Arsenal's schedule appears favourable. In May, they host Fulham and Burnley. Fulham, likely mid-table, may have little to play for, while 19th-placed Burnley could be relegated by the penultimate weekend. West Ham and Crystal Palace might be battling relegation, but Arsenal may avoid facing any top-half teams in May.
Manchester City's Run-In: A Detailed Look
Current Standings: Played: 26, Points: 53, Goal Difference: +30
Toughest Fixtures: Pep Guardiola's side must be nearly flawless before hosting Arsenal, with away trips to Leeds and Chelsea standing out. Leeds are unbeaten at home in evening matches at Elland Road this season, making a 5:30pm kick-off a significant test. Chelsea, though unpredictable, have performed well at home, and Cole Palmer is regaining form after an injury-disrupted campaign.
Potential Banana Skin: Nottingham Forest, seeking their third 'new manager bounce' of the season after Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche failed to impress, could emulate Vitor Pereira's success at Wolves last season by revitalising their form and embarking on a winning streak.
Final Straight: On paper, Manchester City's schedule is tougher than Arsenal's. Brentford and Bournemouth might be competing for European qualification in the final weeks, and City face both in their last three games. They then host Aston Villa on the final weekend. Villa could have Champions League qualification secured or even be in the title race themselves. City might hope Villa reach the Europa League final that midweek to ease the pressure.
Verdict: A Run-In of Two Halves
This title race will unfold in two distinct phases, culminating in the mid-April showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal, followed by the aftermath. Arsenal's fixtures before and after the Etihad visit seem more favourable than City's, especially in the final stretch. A key factor for both sides will be their involvement in other cup competitions and squad depth. They also meet in the Carabao Cup final on 22 March and are both through to the Champions League last-16 and FA Cup fifth round, adding further complexity to the run-in.
