The Premier League trophy remains up for grabs as Arsenal and Manchester City head into the final stretch of the season. Arsenal sit two points clear of their nearest rivals, with Pep Guardiola's men having now played their game in hand.
City's Victory Over Crystal Palace
Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening. Antoine Semenyo gave his side the lead after getting on the end of a sumptuous backheel from Phil Foden. Omar Marmoush doubled City's advantage with his third Premier League goal of the campaign, before Savinho wrapped things up late on.
City's win leaves them two points adrift of Mikel Arteta's side, who could potentially end their two-decade long wait for a Premier League crown in a matter of days.
Arsenal's Path to the Title
Arsenal are next in action against already-relegated Burnley on Monday evening, followed by a clash with Crystal Palace on the last day. Simply put, if Arsenal win those two matches, they will be crowned champions. There could be a couple more twists and turns before that, though.
Should the North London side win against Burnley, they would extend their advantage to five points. With City in FA Cup final action against Chelsea this weekend, they will then have to wait until next Tuesday to respond.
City's next Premier League game comes against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. If Arsenal indeed win against Burnley, that leaves City needing a win against the Cherries to keep the title race alive. Anything else will see Mikel Arteta's side officially crowned as champions ahead of the final day.
If Arsenal Drop Points
But if Arsenal fail to earn victory against Burnley, that leaves the door ajar for City. If the Gunners draw at the Emirates against the Clarets, that would guarantee the title race going to the final day. Depending on their result against Bournemouth, City could either be level on points with the Gunners, two behind, or three behind. That would mean they would need to match or better their rivals' result on the last day to claim another title courtesy of their superior goal difference.
Should Arsenal conspire to lose against Burnley, City could go into the final day ahead so long as they beat Bournemouth. A win for Pep Guardiola's men against Aston Villa on the last day would then guarantee them the title. A draw or even a defeat could even be enough for City to claim the crown on the last day, so long as Arsenal also draw or lose to Crystal Palace.
Goal Difference Scenario
There is a situation where the title could be decided on goal difference if Arsenal claim two points fewer than City in their last two games. It would then depend on how emphatic each of their final two wins are.
Remaining Fixtures
Manchester City
- Bournemouth (A) - Tuesday, 19 May
- Aston Villa (H) - Sunday, 24 May
Arsenal
- Burnley (H) - Monday, 18 May
- Crystal Palace (A) - Sunday, 24 May
However, City's hopes boil down totally to what Arsenal do. If the North London side win each of their last two games, they will guarantee themselves the title. If Arsenal drop any points, City would win the title by winning each of their last two games.
