After wasting the opportunity to seal the Premier League, Arsenal’s lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa was reduced to just four points. Matheus Cunha’s extraordinary long-range goal was celebrated by both clubs in second and third place respectively, as Manchester United, now under the command of Michael Carrick, won 3–2 at a tense Emirates Stadium.
In this way, the hopes of the Gunners’ rivals in the fight for the championship were raised.
Arsenal’s current poor run of form has led their fans to fear the worst, just when everything indicated that Mikel Arteta’s team were cruising towards their first league title since the historic unbeaten campaign of 2003–04. Suddenly, each day has become decisive in the dispute for the trophy.
Below we share the days that could be key in the fight for the Premier League.
Day 27
- Manchester City vs. Newcastle — 21 de feb.
- Aston Villa vs. Leeds United — 21 de feb.
- Tottenham vs. Arsenal — 22 de feb.
Arsenal have a complicated schedule, with visits to Leeds and Brentford that will not be easy. The weaknesses shown recently – their inability to create play from set pieces – will be exploited by teams that can match the physical intensity of the team led by Arteta.
The derbies will play a crucial role. Tottenham could play alone to ruin the title for their eternal rival. The Spurs are going through another miserable campaign, this time with Thomas Frank at the helm, who could be out of office by the time Arsenal visit north London. The leaders already thrashed their neighbors in the first round, with a hat trick from Eberechi Eze (4-1).
The Villains could get closer to the Gunners, as they will face Leeds, while Manchester City will host the uncomfortable Newcastle United.
Day 28
- Wolves vs. Aston Villa — 27 de feb.
- Leeds United vs. Man. City — 28 de feb.
- Arsenal vs. Chelsea — 1 de mar.
Another derby in sight. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa open the day on Friday at Molineux against Wolverhampton. The Wolves are improving under Rob Edwards, but it is already accepted that they will play in the second division next year. Just like the Spursthe Wolves will be desperate to stop the aspirations of their regional enemy.
City visit Leeds on Saturday and Arsenal host Chelsea on Sunday. The Citizens have suffered away from home, and Arsenal do not lose against the Blues since 2021, although Liam Rosenior’s tenure at Stamford Bridge has started strongly.
Day 33
- Manchester City vs. Arsenal — Date to be confirmed
- Aston Villa vs. Sunderland — Date to be confirmed
Although history says that titles are not usually decided in direct duels between the first two, it cannot be denied that the most important match on the calendar comes on matchday 33.
In mid-April, Arsenal visit the Citizens’ fiefdom, with the possibility of escaping at the top. In the past, the Gunners have erred on the side of caution at the Etihad. City has not started the year well, but the signings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi could be key to tipping the balance. Arsenal could settle for a point, or have the opportunity to sentence their rival in hostile territory.
For their part, Sunderland should not represent a great challenge for Aston Villa.
Day 37
- Arsenal vs. Burnley
- Aston Villa vs. Liverpool
- Bournemouth vs. Manchester City
Liverpool have had one of the most disappointing title defenses in history. Arne Slot’s team, which had to defend its crown after a summer of records, is now fighting to enter the Champions League. However, the Reds can still pass judgment: they visit Aston Villa on the penultimate matchday.
If Emery’s Villa is still in the fight by then, the Spaniard will have to be considered a “miraculous” coach. For its part, Arsenal will host a Burnley team that could already be relegated, while Manchester City closes its exits at Bournemouth, where it lost for the first time last season.
Day 38
- Manchester City vs. Aston Villa — 24 de mayo
- Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal — 24 de mayo
If Arsenal’s slump turns into a collapse, Manchester City and Aston Villa could overcome their four-point deficit, turning the league into a shootout that no one predicted in preseason.
If this scenario occurs, there is the possibility of an “all or nothing” on the final day. As in 2021–22, City host Villa with the title on the line, but this time the visitors would have the chance to win it themselves. Only ten times has the Premier been decided on the last day; The last great dramatic comeback was Arsenal’s famous 0–2 at Anfield to close 1988–89.
Worth a look
