Manchester City have climbed to the top of the Premier League table after their win over Burnley.
Pep Guardiola’s side are now level on points and goal difference with Arsenal, but sit above them due to scoring more goals.
That has led to some pundits, including Micah Richards, claiming that City will go all the way and become champions once again.
However, the reality is that Arsenal still have a significant advantage in this race thanks to scheduling.
💭 Predict Arsenal and Man City’s final five results…
How Arsenal can put six-point pressure on Man City
Manchester City may be top of the table right now, but the scheduling of fixtures could work heavily in Arsenal’s favour.
The Gunners will play twice before City’s next Premier League game.
That gives Mikel Arteta’s side a huge opportunity to apply pressure where it matters most, as if Arsenal win those games against Newcastle United and Fulham, they will move six points clear at the top.
That kind of gap, even temporarily, can completely shift the momentum in a title race, as it forces City to respond under immense pressure.
Guardiola’s men would then head into their next game knowing they cannot afford to drop points, and that psychological pressure can have an impact.
To make things even more interesting, City’s upcoming league fixtures are far from straightforward. They face Everton, Brentford and Bournemouth, all of whom are fighting for European spots.
Those teams will be highly motivated and difficult to beat, especially at this stage of the season when every point matters.
If Arsenal take care of their business, they can turn the pressure firmly onto City despite currently sitting second. That could prove to be a huge advantage.
💭 Predict Arsenal and Man City’s final five results…
Arsenal cannot afford to drop a single point in their next two games
For all the talk about advantages, it ultimately comes down to results on the pitch, and Arsenal must win both of their upcoming games.
Dropping even two points could completely change the dynamic of the title race. It would hand the initiative straight back to Manchester City, and the title race will be as good as over.
That is why Arsenal have to be perfect in these next two games if they want to keep their title hopes alive, and although Newcastle and Fulham have troubled them in the past, they are both beatable.
Hopefully, the expected returns of Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka will help the Gunners get over the line comfortably.
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