Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have suffered a major setback after losing 2-1 at home to Bournemouth.
The Gunners returned to Premier League action on Saturday, their first match in the competition since a 2-0 win over Everton on a day where they were given a significant helping hand by London rivals West Ham.
A 1-1 draw between the Hammers and Manchester City meant Arsenal’s lead at the summit stood at nine points.
Arsenal, playing before Pep Guardiola’s side this weekend, had an opportunity to move 12 clear, albeit potentially for 24 hours. However, Bournemouth left the Emirates Stadium with all three points in what Mikel Arteta has described as a “big punch in the face”.
Significantly, a third defeat in four matches either side of the international break for the Gunners has blown the title race wide open and Man City will be looking to take advantage when they face Chelsea on Sunday.
While the gap remains at nine, Man City now have two games in hand over Arsenal, and will welcome the league leaders to the Etihad Stadium next weekend in what will almost certainly serve as a title-decider.
When also factoring in the convincing manner in which City won the Carabao Cup final and their Champions League exit, Arteta is going to have to rally his players to get a result at the Etihad to remain on track.
Though, the next week will determine who takes control of the title race heading into the final stages of the campaign.
Arsenal’s remaining Premier League fixtures
Man City (A), April 19
Newcastle (H), April 25
Fulham (H), May 2
West Ham (A), May 10
Burnley (H), May 17
Crystal Palace (A), May 24
Man City’s remaining Premier League fixtures
Chelsea (A), April 12
Arsenal (H), April 19
Burnley (A), April 22
Everton (A), May 2
Brentford (H), May 9
Bournemouth (A), May 17
Aston Villa (H), May 24
Crystal Palace (H), TBC
How many points do Arsenal need to win Premier League title?
Man City’s maximum points total is 85, which means the Gunners require 16 more points from a possible 18 to clinch the title and that works out to be five wins and a draw from their remaining matches.
Arsenal, going into the Bournemouth clash, had the security blanket of knowing they could afford one defeat from their remaining seven games but it’s all change now after Saturday’s setback.
Due to Man City’s trip to Burnley being rearranged for April 22, it means there is a scenario where they’ll be level on points with the Gunners if they win their next three games.
