Well, Arsenal fumbled the bag big time against Liverpool, and if Mohamed Salah hadn’t missed that penalty, Arsenal would be even worse off, but for Premier League neutrals, it sets up a theatrical finish to the season.
With less than 10 games to go until the end of the season, the only teams in the title race are Arsenal and Man City. The rest of the teams are either fighting for a Champions League spot, European spot, or to stay in the division next season. While Arsenal took the top spot early and have stayed there, Man City have remained close the whole year, and they look ready to finally leapfrog them in the dying embers.
While Man City are still in both the Champions League and FA Cup, I can still see them realistically picking up the remainder of the 27 points still up for grabs, finishing them on 94 points. Arsenal, will likely pick up 21 of the 24 points they still have to play for, finishing them on 94 as well. That’s how close it is. And they still have a game left against each other.
Man City hosting Arsenal will be the pinnacle of the season, well and truly the title decider. All Arsenal have to do is not lose, and while it’s still a nervy finish, they’ll have a lead on Man City and have only the Premier League to focus on, while City have the UCL and FA Cup.
However, if City win, they’re in the drivers’ seat, although only on goal differential. With the goal difference only with a +5 difference to Man City, goal difference can still swing in Arsenal’s favour. For the sake of entertainment, I’d like this to be the outcome.
Man City are attacking-wise better, with both the goal and assist leaders. They have an utter machine in Erling Haaland who scored a bicycle kick yesterday vs Southampton and has hit 30 goals already. Kevin de Bruyne is one of the best midfielders in the world if not the best, and he’s assisted 11 Erling Haaland goals alone.
Arsenal, however, have a superior defence, and in the Liverpool game, Aaron Ramsdale showed why he’s the superior goalkeeper to Ederson when it comes to these shaky moments. Arsenal’s defence has also been more used this season, while Man City has seemed unsure of what to do at times when challenged.
No matter what, we’re set for a great finish to this Premier League season. Mark April 26 on your calendars, because that’s the day to watch. I’m Jim James, until next time.