After another drama-packed weekend, the Premier League title race is reaching its climax.
Manchester City took care of business on Saturday, seeing off Brentford 3-0 at the Etihad, before Arsenal edged past West Ham 1-0 at the London Stadium on Saturday, where a controversial VAR ruling chalked off a late Callum Wilson equaliser.
It’s been a two-horse race between City and the Gunners for months now, but it could well be settled before the final weekend of the season on May 24.
When can Arsenal win the league?
Arsenal, who sit on 79 points, have just two games left to play, while City have three, meaning there are a few permutations to run over.
The next match in the title race is Manchester City’s home clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, May 13. Should Pep Guardiola’s side win that one, they would move back onto 77 points, just two behind the leaders.
However, should City drop points against the Eagles, it opens the door to Arsenal claiming their first Premier League title for 22 years when they take on Burnley on Monday, May 18.
A draw would see City sitting four points behind Arsenal and a defeat would put them five points adrift.
Victory against the Clarets would then move Arsenal onto 82 points, meaning they would move at least seven points clear of Guardiola’s men, who would then have just six points to play for.
However, if City beat Palace, Arsenal would not be able to win the title against Burnley.
City then visit Bournemouth a day later on Tuesday, May 19 to play their game in hand which they would need to win in order to take the title race to the final day.
That will take place on Sunday, May 24, when Arsenal visit Palace and City host Aston Villa.
Ultimately, Arsenal need two wins to claim the title and Manchester City are reliant on the Gunners slipping up in either of these two games, while taking care of their own business.
Given the drama we’ve seen in recent weeks though, few will expect the next couple of weeks to be without further twists and turns.
