Many believed that this would be a crucial weekend in the Premier League title race, but it simply remains as you were at the top. On Saturday evening, Manchester City overcame a potential banana skin, beating Leeds 1-0 at Elland Road, with new signing Antoine Semenyo the only scorer on the cusp of half time.
24 hours later, league leaders Arsenal battled to a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, with both the Gunners' goals coming via corner kicks. Mikel Arteta's team have now scored 16 times from corners in the Premier League this season, equalling the single-season record held by Oldham in 1992/93 and Tony Pulis' West Brom in 2016/17. So, why might this be cause for concern for those of a Sky Blue persuasion?
Should Man City fans be worried about Arsenal's set-piece proficiency?
As noted by a Manchester City supporter on Reddit, many have been saying throughout this season that Arsenal's over-reliance on set-pieces was not sustainable. Now though, they argue that, in reality, the Gunners will inevitably smash the single-season record, given that they have nine matches remaining, and are showing no sign of slowing down in this department. So, why should Man City supporters be concerned about this?
Well, the title race is currently in both teams' hands, given that Pep Guardiola's team have a game in hand, and the two will go head-to-head at the Etihad on 19 April. Before then, the top two will also clash in the EFL Cup Final at Wembley later this month, but their remaining Premier League fixtures make for fascinating reading.
Manchester City vs Arsenal remaining Premier League fixtures
Date | Man City's Fixtures | Arsenal's fixtures |
|---|---|---|
TBC | Crystal Palace (H) | |
4 March | Nottingham Forest (H) | Brighton (A) |
14 March | West Ham United (A) | Everton (H) |
11/12 April | Chelsea (A) | Bournemouth (H) |
18/19 April | Arsenal (H) | Manchester City (A) |
25/26 April | Burnley (A) | Newcastle (H) |
2/3 May | Everton (A) | Fulham (H) |
9/10 May | Brentford (H) | West Ham (A) |
17 May | Bournemouth (A) | Burnley (H) |
24 May | Aston Villa (H) | Crystal Palace (A) |
Based on both team's remaining fixtures, one would imagine neither are going to drop very many points at all, obviously making the head-to-head encounter between the pair so pivotal.
After Arsenal's late collapse against Wolves, many expected the Gunners to fall away, but they've responded with back-to-back wins over Spurs and Chelsea. Arteta's troops look in good shape to dash the line, meaning Man City will not cruise to this title, and will be made to work for it.
What the Premier League fixture list does not include is the tough matches awaiting the Citizens in other competitions. Guardiola's side travel to Newcastle on Saturday night in the FA Cup fifth round, while Arsenal will visit Mansfield.
In the meantime, Man City will meet Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16, feel like those two haven't played each other for ages, with Bayern Munich, more than likely, their last eight opponents, should they get there. While Man City may have the experience, Arsenal appear set to be in the fight for the long haul.