Arsenal news as the Gunners eye up promising run of games that could given them title race advantage
Arsenal players celebrate scoring against Newcastle.Arsenal are in a strong position in the Premier League title race after beating Newcastle.>>>READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
Nothing too drastic took place over the Premier League weekend, at least not at the top. With Arsenal and Manchester City both winning, the table is now at equilibrium with most clubs having played 26 games.
The gap from first to third is just two points with 12 to play and squeaky bum time is upon us. Arsenal are showing no signs of letting up despite their winter wobble, and have reeled off five wins in a row with 25 goals being smashed in during the process.
Manchester City showed a gap in their armour last week against Chelsea but proved to be too strong for Bournemouth. Both sides needed to react after Liverpool had moved four points clear on Wednesday when they crushed Luton in the second half.
It is a game of tit-for-tat between the title contenders now, each taking turns to demonstrate just why they should be considered favourites. Liverpool and Arsenal bang in goal after goal whilst Pep Guardiola’s champions edge through games, not wasting a single strike.
The goal difference situation has changed dramatically too. Liverpool have the points advantage but are one behind the Gunners on +38 for goal difference. City’s profligacy in the final third has seen them left at +33. As European football is back on the agenda and the season enters the final straight, here’s where the title could be won or lost.
Arsenal’s hardest five remaining games
Brighton (A) – April 6
Chelsea (H) – March 16
Tottenham (A) – April 27
Manchester United (A) – May 11
Manchester City (A) – March 31
Verdict: March looks to be an enormous month at the top. The Gunners have the big one with City at the end but there is also a meeting between first and second as well. Guardiola also has to take on Manchester United first.
Liverpool have Everton and the visit of City, whilst Arsenal have a relatively nice-looking run of games for now. It’s the finish that is tough for Mikel Arteta’s men. They will need to take full advantage of their rivals being up against it in the next four weeks, aiming to build a lead of some sorts at the top.
Manchester City’s hardest five remaining games
Brighton (A) – March 17
Manchester United (H) – March 3
Tottenham (A) – April 20
Liverpool (A) – March 10
Arsenal (H) – March 31
Verdict: For City, getting through March will be the key. If Guardiola is at the summit come April then the title will be tough to prise away from them. However, capitalise on a brutal set of games, plus the international break, and there’s a chance that City could be far enough adrift to make their almost inevitable end of season push too little, too late.
Liverpool’s hardest five remaining games
Everton (A) – March 17
Aston Villa (A) – May 11
Tottenham (H) – May 4
Manchester United (A) – April 6
Manchester City (H) – March 10
Verdict: Liverpool still look the side to beat. They have won a trophy this year already and the Klopp factor is having a huge impact. They have a tougher finish than City, which could become a key factor when Europa League commitments are considered, but for now they will be expected to go on a strong run. Their run-in is tough, but home games against City and Spurs do give it a slightly easier feel.>>>READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
