The Premier League faces the most decisive stretch of the season starting this month of March. A nine-day period where, still, everything is to be decided. He Arsenal, which leads Manchester City by seven pointsis postulated as the big favorite to win the title this season. But if they have proven something los citizens the leagues compete until the end.
After 29 days played, Arsenal leads the table with 67 points. Arteta’s, however, They have played one more game compared to the rest of the teams of the league (2-2 against Wolverhampton on matchday 31). He Manchester City is his closest pursuer with 60 after the fall of Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
Guardiola puts seventh
He Arsenal has already been warned in recent years: You should not sell the bear skin before hunting it. guardiola knows that he will have to arrive with options until the last day to give the overtaking to Arteta’s. This has been demonstrated since his arrival in Manchester. The numbers speak for themselves: six Premier League titles in nine seasons in England.
Key to achieving these titles have been the final stretches of the season. Manchester City, under the orders of Guardiola, has added 21 of 27 points or more in seven of the nine seasons in front of the group skyblue. And suffocating scoring rhythm which ends up ousting both the chasing and the pursued teams.
- 2016/17: 6V/2E/1D – 20 points
- 2017/18: 7V/1E/1D – 22 points
- 2018/19: 9V/0E/0D – 27 puntos
- 2019/20: 7V/0E/2D – 21 puntos
- 2020/21: 6V/0E/3D – 18 puntos
- 2021/22: 7V/2E/0D – 23 puntos
- 2022/23: 7V/1E/1D – 22 puntos
- 2023/24: 8V/1E/0D – 25 points
- 2024/25: 7V/2E/0D – 23 puntos
From the precedents
The situation that is occurring this season is not unknown to the Santpedor coach. He Manchester City has already overcome two consecutive league titles Gunners in the last five years. In the 22/23the Mancunians were second with 67 points, five behind Arsenal, after 29 games played. That course, They emerged champions with 89 points, five behind Arteta’s. History repeated itself in the 23/24. City were second at the start of this final stretch with a single point behind Arsenal and finished as champion, leading the Londoners by two points.
Haaland celebrates a goal against Arsenal
The second leg, key
Manchester City’s comeback this season does not seem so simple. The seven point difference between citizens y gunners It is a greater advantage than the two previous precedents. However, Guardiola has an ace up his sleeve. In addition to the match that still has to be played regarding Arsenalthere is a key date marked on the calendar: the next April 19, Manchester City welcomes Arteta’s men to the Etihad. A golden opportunity to close the gap that could mark the future of the fight for the title in England. “It’s an important difference, but a lot can happen“said Guardiola after the victory against Liverpool last February. “The only thing we can do is put pressure on Arsenal, stay close, and take advantage if they make a mistake.. We have to play against them at home, so of course we have to beat them,” added the Spanish coach.
The only thing we can do is put pressure on Arsenal
We must also take into account the situation in the Champions League of both teams. “The FA Cup is approaching, as is the Carabao Cup final and the Champions League and injuries are inevitable“, warned Pep. Arsenal, barring a surprise, will have to combine league and European competition until the end of the season, in addition to the cup competitions where both are still alive. It doesn’t feel the same way in the sky blue team after the 3-0 at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid, although we have to wait for what happens in the return leg. For now, the more immediate test It’s around the corner. Manchester City and Arsenal will meet on March 22 in the Carabao Cup final which will be played at Wembley.
Schedule of both teams
As far as strictly Premier League is concerned, Manchester City’s schedule is expected to be more complicated than that of his rival. Guardiola’s men will face at home Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Brentford y Aston Villawhile you will have to visit West Ham, Chelsea, Burnley, Everton y Bournemouth.
He Arsenalfor its part, will receive at the Emirates Everton, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Fulham y Burnleyhaving to visit Manchester City, West Ham y Crystal Palace.
