Arsenal and Manchester City are locked in a tense battle for the Premier League title, with the season reaching its climax. The two sides meet at the Etihad on Sunday in a crucial encounter that could decide the destination of the trophy.
Arsenal stumbled last weekend, losing 2-1 at home to Bournemouth, while City capitalised by thrashing Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. City now trail Arsenal by six points but have a game in hand, making Sunday's clash pivotal.
There is even a dramatic possibility that the teams could be forced into a title-deciding play-off if they finish level on points. For this to happen, several conditions must align, most notably a 1-1 draw at the Etihad, replicating the scoreline from their meeting at the Emirates in September.
The first tie-breaker is overall goal difference, where Arsenal currently hold a three-goal advantage. City are the only club to have won the Premier League on goal difference, in 2012. If that fails to separate them, total goals scored is next, with City leading by one. Then comes head-to-head record, followed by away goals in their matches.
If all metrics remain identical, a one-off play-off at a neutral venue would be required, likely Wembley, though the Premier League handbook does not confirm this. If still tied after extra time, a penalty shoot-out would decide the champions.
The prospect may concern Arsenal, who lost the last winner-takes-all battle between the sides in March's Carabao Cup final, where City won 2-0. That result could give Guardiola's side a mental edge should a play-off materialise.
