Manchester City did what they had to do last night, beating Crystal Palace to keep the pressure firmly on Arsenal, and in the process preventing the Gunners from achieving two major milestones.
While Pep Guardiola and his side will take encouragement from remaining in the title race, hoping for any slip-up from the red half of North London, their victory also denied Arsenal the chance to clinch a first Premier League title in 23 years in front of their own supporters.
With the FA Cup final taking place this weekend, City will now play after Arsenal’s Monday night clash against already-relegated Burnley, meaning Arteta’s side must once again handle the pressure of setting the pace before the champions respond.
The Burnley game may look like a foregone conclusion on paper, but football rarely follows the script, especially when title pressure is involved. Arsenal simply have to win, knowing any slip could hand the initiative straight back to City.
Guardiola’s side will then travel to the south coast the following day to face a tricky Bournemouth team that is unbeaten in 16 matches, in what could prove to be another pivotal moment in the title race, potentially handing the title to Arsenal.
Goal difference being pivotal?
Goals from Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush and Savinho secured Manchester City’s victory over Crystal Palace last night, but those strikes may ultimately prove decisive in the Premier League title race, alongside Jérémy Doku's late leveller against Everton.
The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s side one goal ahead of Arsenal on goal difference, handing City a crucial advantage heading into the final stretch of the season. Arsenal’s remaining fixtures may appear more favourable on paper, and the gap could still swing again before the campaign ends, particularly with City facing two teams still battling for Champions League qualification.
Even so, City’s relentless ability to score goals has once again put them in control. Their ease at scoring has favoured the neutrals due to the entertainment their football brings over Arsenal’s style. The Gunners could yet finish level on points, but overturning that goal difference at this stage of the season will be a tough task.
For Mikel Arteta’s side, the equation is now simple. There is no room for caution or game management, win the next two games and the title is theirs. Goal difference wouldn’t be a factor but if they slip up then City will be hoping those extra goals will prove pivotal in the Premier League trophy having sky blue ribbons come the end of May.
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