Before the season, few would have expected that Arsenal would experience such a dramatic Premier League title race. Arsenal are back at the top; Manchester United have risen; Newcastle United have become the new giant, while Liverpool and Chelsea are down in the doldrums. This season has already disapproved the best of Football Predictions, and with 12 games still left, one should expect nothing less than a great end to a brilliant season.
However, amidst all this, the title race has been dominated by two teams; Manchester City and Arsenal. While City have always been the favourite for the Premier League title, many were expecting Liverpool or even Chelsea to be their challenger.
However, Mikel Arteta has got his tactics and planning spot on, as his young team has been working like a well-oiled machine. The rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal also represents the clash of the master and the student in Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
But with 12 matches left, which of the two teams are better placed to come out on top come May 28, 2023?
Arsenal Remaining Games
The first half of February was disastrous for the Gunners as they lost two and drew one. However, since then, they rediscovered their mojo, winning four straight games, including an incredible comeback win over Bournemouth. The teams have been dependent on their youngsters, who have not let them down.
The wing duo of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka has scored 20 goals. Saka has also been a creative force providing nine assists, followed by midfielder Martin Odegaard.
So, what are the crucial matches in Arsenal’s remaining season?
With the form that they are in, Arsenal would be expecting to win all of their next three matches against Fulham (away), Crystal Palace (home), and Leeds United (home). However, their first major challenge will come against Liverpool at Anfield on April 9.
From there, Arteta’s men travel to Southampton and welcome Southampton before they face their last and perhaps biggest challenge.
Ten days, three top team
Between April 26, and May 6, Arsenal will face Manchester City (away), Chelsea (home) and Newcastle United (away). The primary concern will be Manchester City, a team that defeated them at Emirates 3-1. And three points in the match will go a long way in determining the fate of the title race.
However, dark horses Newcastle United will be the biggest challenge for their impressive Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s men have conceded 17 goals, with only Barcelona and Napoli conceding less across the top five leagues. Arsenal end their campaign against Brighton (home), Nottingham Forest (away) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (home).
🗣️ “If I’m honest we didn’t speak about winning the title yet but if you are so close, why not? You are five points clear of second. Why not to put the belief in each other and to speak about it.”
Granit Xhaka on the Premier League title race.🏆
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) March 4, 2023
Manchester City Remaining Games
Manchester City are currently five points behind Arsenal, which means they have a lower margin for error if they want to win the league title. However, one thing going their way is they appear to have a far easier run of games. Their first significant game will come on April 1 when they take on Liverpool.
This is followed by a run of three games against Southampton (away), Leicester City (home) and Brighton (home). Then comes the much-anticipated clash against Arsenal, and City would want to win all three matches, which will put pressure on Arsenal when the two teams meet.
Following this, there is another easy run of three games against Fulham (away), Leeds United (home) and Everton (away). The season’s penultimate match will come against Chelsea before the final game against Brentford on the road.
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🗣️ "Exceptional"
Pep Guardiola does not have any complaints with how Manchester City are fighting in the title race 🔢 pic.twitter.com/CZzIi0bw6p
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 27, 2023
The conclusion
Arsenal have been near flawless this season, and with a five-point lead at the top of the table, they have the advantage. However, the Gunners have a far more difficult run of games which will test their team to their fullest. On the other hand, not only does Manchester City have an easy run, but they also have the experience of being involved in two title races that went down to the wire.
However, what Arsenal have done has been nothing short of impressive, and with the team being in perfect form, Arsenal could finally end their 19-year title-winning drought.