The Premier League is gearing up for another exhilarating run-in, with Arsenal and Manchester City vying for the title. Arsenal are hoping to break their 22-year title drought under Mikel Arteta, while Pep Guardiola's Manchester City is looking to continue their winning streak after denying Arsenal in 2023 and 2024.
Despite being ahead for much of the campaign, a cursory glance at the Premier League table shows the Gunners beginning to look like they might 'bottle it' once again.
However, the fixtures remaining in both teams' respective seasons could prove to be the deciding factor in which team gets over the line.
Arsenal
The most challenging game for Arsenal is undoubtedly their mid-April trip to Manchester City. Arsenal has not won at the Etihad since January 2015, and their title challenge was thwarted there in April 2023 with a 4-1 defeat.
However, Arsenal is in a strong position to take a lead at the Etihad, having shown resilience under Mikel Arteta in recent years. A draw could be crucial in this match.
Everton could pose a significant threat to Arsenal. Despite Everton's poor record at the Emirates, they have the fifth-best away record in the Premier League this season under David Moyes. The game will fall between the two legs of Arsenal's Champions League last-16 tie and a week before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. Arsenal cannot afford to lose focus in this game.
On paper, Arsenal's final stretch looks promising. In May, they will play Fulham and Burnley at home. Fulham, a mid-table team, will likely have nothing to play for, while 19th-placed Burnley could be relegated by the penultimate weekend. However, West Ham and Crystal Palace could pose challenges if they are fighting for survival.
Manchester City
For Pep Guardiola's side, the standout games are the away trips to Leeds and Chelsea. Leeds are unbeaten at home this season when playing 'under the lights' at Elland Road, making a 5:30 pm kick-off a real test. Chelsea, although unpredictable, have risen to the occasion at home this season, and Cole Palmer is starting to hit form after an injury-hit campaign.
Nottingham Forest, looking for their third 'new manager bounce' of the season, could pose a threat to Manchester City. Could Vitor Pereira repeat last season’s wonders at Wolves by turning their form around and going on a winning run?
On paper, Manchester City's final stretch is much tougher than Arsenal's. Brentford and Bournemouth could be in the mix for European qualification over the final weeks of the season, and City has to play them both in their final three games. They also host Aston Villa on the final weekend of the season, which could be a decisive game depending on Villa's Champions League qualification status.
The run-in will be a tale of two halves, with everything building up to the meeting between Manchester City and Arsenal in mid-April, and then everything that follows. Arsenal’s fixtures before and after going to the Etihad look more favourable than City’s, particularly their final stretch.
A crucial factor for both sides will be the other cup competitions and how their squad depth holds up. They will also meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, 22 March, and are both through to the Champions League last-16 and FA Cup fifth round.
The Premier League title race is set to be a thrilling contest between Arsenal and Manchester City. Both teams have their strengths and potential pitfalls, and the outcome will likely hinge on key matches and how well they manage their squad depth amidst other cup competitions.
