Manchester City v Arsenal: the title decider

Arsenal’s loss to Bournemouth and Manchester City’s win have narrowed the gap for the Gunners—who have played one more game—to six points.

Arsenal has hit a slump at the worst possible time of the season. It all began with the loss in the EFL Cup final to Manchester City. Then came the FA Cup quarterfinal elimination at the hands of Championship side Southampton. In between, they advanced to the Champions League semifinals, but their play is no longer as convincing as it was early in the season.

And the crisis erupted on Saturday. Mikel Arteta’s side hosted Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium, a key match to regain confidence and maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League. However, the team led by Andoni Iraola was the better side, deservedly won the match, and gave Manchester City a golden opportunity to re-enter the title race.

Pep Guardiola’s side took the field at Stamford Bridge knowing that their Premier League title was in their own hands. After a first half with few chances, Manchester City came out of the gates in the second half with a relentless attack. With three goals in 20 minutes, they sealed the title and moved six points clear of Arsenal with one game remaining.

Premier League Standings after Matchday 32

Arsenal 70 points +38
Manchester City 64 points +35 (one game in hand)
Manchester United 55 points +12
Aston Villa 55 points +5
Liverpool 52 points +10
Chelsea 48 points +12

This weekend, the head-to-head showdown

Thus, both Arsenal and Manchester City hold their own fate in their hands to become champions. This Saturday, they face off at the Etihad Stadium in a match that could determine the outcome of the championship. If Guardiola’s men win, they’ll be three points behind their rivals with one game left; if Arteta’s men win, they’ll have the championship all but sealed.

Right now, the ‘Cityzens’ are in better form, and they know this is the opportunity they’ve been waiting for to catch up to the ‘Gunners’. If Manchester City wins, a nail-biting end to the season is expected, as the champion could be decided by goal difference. It will be the match of the year in the Premier League.