The Premier League title race intensifies as Arsenal and Manchester City vie for supremacy. Arsenal, after three consecutive runner-up finishes, aims to secure their first league title in 22 years under Mikel Arteta. Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, thwarted their efforts in 2023 and 2024. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, holds third place as the season nears its climax.
Arsenal’s Run-In
Arsenal have played 26 matches, amassed 57 points, and boast a +32 goal difference.
Toughest Fixture
The mid-April away clash at Manchester City stands out as the biggest challenge, with only five league games remaining afterward. Arsenal have not triumphed at the Etihad Stadium since January 2015. A 4-1 defeat there in April 2023 derailed their title bid, followed by a cautious 0-0 draw in March 2024. Arsenal enter this matchup strongly, potentially carrying a lead, where a draw could prove pivotal.
Potential Upset
Everton poses a sneaky threat at home. Despite a poor record at the Emirates, they hold the league’s fifth-best away form under David Moyes. This fixture slots between Champions League last-16 legs and a week before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, demanding full focus.
Final Stretch
Arsenal face a promising May schedule on paper: home games against Fulham and Burnley. Mid-table Fulham likely has little at stake, while bottom-of-the-table Burnley may already face relegation. Away trips to West Ham and Crystal Palace could turn scrappy if relegation battles loom, but no top-half opponents appear in May.
Manchester City’s Run-In
Manchester City have played 26 matches, collected 53 points, and hold a +30 goal difference.
Toughest Fixtures
City 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 this season, making the evening kickoff tough. Chelsea, unpredictable at Stamford Bridge, have stepped up domestically, with Cole Palmer regaining form post-injury.
Potential Upset
Nottingham Forest, seeking a third ‘new manager bounce’ this season, could surprise under Vitor Pereira. After previous managerial changes yielded mixed results, Forest might spark a late surge.
Final Stretch
City’s closing games look demanding. Brentford and Bournemouth may chase European spots in the last three matches, both away. The season ends with a home clash against Aston Villa, who could contend for Champions League qualification—or even the title. A midweek Europa League final for Villa might ease that pressure.
The showdown at the Etihad in mid-April looms largest, but Arsenal’s fixtures before and after appear more manageable, especially the final run. Cup competitions add complexity: both sides meet in the Carabao Cup final on March 22, progress in the Champions League last-16, and reach the FA Cup fifth round. Squad depth will prove crucial.
