April 8th 2024.
The Premier League title race is heating up as just one point separates the top three teams in a fierce battle for the crown. After the latest round of matches this weekend, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City are all within touching distance of claiming the top spot.
Liverpool's draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford has allowed Arsenal to take first place with their impressive 3-0 victory over Brighton. Not only did this result bump up their already healthy goal difference, but it also put them ahead in the title race. Meanwhile, Manchester City is hot on their heels after coming from behind to secure a win against Crystal Palace.
With only seven games left in the season, there are a maximum of 21 points up for grabs. However, all three teams also have to navigate the demands of European football, adding an extra layer of challenge to their already intense competition.
While City may have the easiest remaining fixtures on paper, they are the only team still competing in three competitions. This puts them at a disadvantage in terms of fatigue and squad rotation. All three title contenders will also face significant hurdles in their remaining matches.
Let's take a closer look at each team's remaining fixtures and the key matches that will ultimately decide who will lift the Premier League trophy.
ARSENAL
The Gunners have been on an impressive run, remaining unbeaten in the league this year. Currently sitting at the top of the table with 71 points and a goal difference of +51, they have built on last season's title challenge and look like a more mature and composed side this time around. Their defense, in particular, has been playing at an extraordinarily high level.
However, their success has not come without its challenges. With massive European games against Bayern Munich and potentially Manchester City or Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, the pressure and prestige will be at an all-time high for many players in the squad. This could potentially impact their domestic form.
All of Arsenal's remaining away games look challenging, with a trip to Molineux just a few days after playing in Bavaria. Their visit to Old Trafford this weekend showed that these matches have the potential for pure madness. But, the biggest game remaining for Arsenal will undoubtedly be the north London derby against Tottenham. With their rivals having a strong record against the top six this season, it will be a crucial test for Arsenal's title hopes.
What the pundits are saying:
"The managers are going to play a big part. Pep Guardiola has done it, Jurgen Klopp has done it - but Mikel Arteta hasn't. However, with their better goal difference, you have to make Arsenal the favorites right now. They're in good form and teams look like they can't score against them. But when they go to Tottenham, that is going to be the game. If Arsenal can go there and get three points, they'll deserve to win the title." - Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool also sit at the top of the table with 71 points and a goal difference of +42, but their recent draw against Manchester United has seen them slip back down to second place. Unlike their rivals, Jurgen Klopp's side does not have the added pressure of Champions League football and have also landed in the kinder half of the Europa League draw. Their quarter-final opponents, Atalanta, are currently sixth in Serie A.
A crucial period for Liverpool's title challenge will be their upcoming run of four away games in a row, starting in Bergamo and ending in East London. These matches will be pivotal, as will their games against fourth-placed Tottenham and fifth-placed Aston Villa.
However, their biggest game remaining will undoubtedly be the Merseyside derby against Everton. Despite Liverpool's remarkable record against their rivals, Klopp knows that the Toffees will do everything in their power to try and derail their title hopes.
What the pundits are saying:
"One thing about Liverpool is they have four away games after facing Atalanta - it could be their downfall. Four away games is not nice. There are other things that can affect you, such as being away from home. Liverpool will also not like going to Goodison Park." - Theo Walcott on BBC Radio 5 Live
MANCHESTER CITY
Sitting in third place with 70 points and a goal difference of +40, champions Manchester City are hitting form at just the right time once again. While they may have the easiest remaining Premier League fixtures, they also have the most demanding volume of games, with both Champions League and FA Cup ties to contend with.
Their quarter-final tie against Real Madrid could not have come at a better time, with their next Premier League match against Luton Town, who have struggled on their travels this season. However, with four of their last seven matches against bottom-half sides, City will need to stay focused to secure the title.
Their biggest game remaining will be their away match against Tottenham, who have been somewhat of a bogey team for them in recent years. While they may have won at their stadium earlier this year, they had never previously even scored a goal there. Tottenham, under new manager Ange Postecoglou, are more than capable of causing an upset.
What the pundits are saying:
"I'd probably go with Manchester City. They've done it. Their reaction to last week [drawing with Arsenal], they've really used their squad. For their experience, Pep Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne... I'd probably want to be there. I went with Liverpool last week. Am I allowed to change my mind?! I think Man City will win all their [remaining] games." - Roy Keane on Sky Sports
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