Who’s going to win the Premier League? A look at Arsenal and Man City’s remaining games

We’re heading into the business end of the 2022/23 Premier League season and Arsenal are still leading the way ahead of defending champions Manchester City. Can the Gunners hold firm and secure their first league title since 2004, or will the Citizens finish strongly to retain their crown? We take a look at their remaining fixtures…

Before the start of the season, most pundits expected it to be Man City and Liverpool fighting it out for the title once again. The two Northern clubs have dominated the Premier League over the past five years and they were once again widely tipped to be the top two. However, Jurgen Klopp’s men have endured a torrid campaign and are struggling to even finish in the top four. Arsenal on the other hand have enjoyed a sensational season and have replaced Liverpool as City’s main challengers.

The Gunners haven’t finished in the top four in recent years and many pundits thought fourth was the best they could hope for with Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United also vying for the Champions League places.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side have shocked everyone and have sat at the top of the league for virtually the entire campaign. Following last weekend’s win over Crystal Palace, Arsenal are now eight points clear of City with 10 games left to play. The Citizens weren’t in league action last week due to FA Cup commitments so they have a game in hand which could see them cut the advantage to five points. Either way, Arsenal have a solid lead as we head into the final 10 games but there is still a lot of football left to be played.

Liverpool to decide title?

After the international break, Man City will welcome old-rivals Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal fans will be praying for a favour from the Anfield giants as this is one of City’s toughest games left to play. If they’re going to drop points, the Liverpool game is one Arsenal will be looking to. City are a formidable side, especially at home, but you wouldn’t bet against the Reds taking something away from the Etihad – especially after the international break.

On the same day, Arsenal entertain Leeds United at home and they’ll be confident of picking up all three points against a side sitting just two points above the relegation zone. So the Gunners should maintain at least an eight point gap, which could perhaps be 10/11 points if Liverpool can do them a favour in next Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.

The following week, Arsenal will then travel to Merseyside to take on Liverpool. Anfield has not been a happy hunting ground for the Gunners in recent years and despite their inconsistent form this season, Klopp’s side will be quietly confident of getting a result against the league leaders and they’ll be out to prove a point in this game. It means that Liverpool are going to play a pivotal role in who ends up winning the title as they’ll play the top two contenders in their next two league matches.

Champions League distraction

The day before Arsenal play Liverpool, City will have the opportunity to close the gap when they travel south to take on bottom club Southampton at the Amex Stadium. A win is a must for Guardiola’s side as they simply have to put the pressure on Arsenal ahead of their trip to Anfield.

However, while the Gunners are out of all other cup competitions and can focus solely on the league, City are still in the FA Cup and importantly, the Champions League. We all know Guardiola is desperate to win a European Cup with City and he might decide to focus on their Champions League quest while they’re still in the competition.

City have a huge two-legged tie with Bayern Munich either side of their Premier League game against Leicester City at the Etihad, so it will be interesting to see whether Guardiola rests any of his key men against Brendan Rodgers’ side in mid-April. They also have an FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United to contend on April 22nd. That weekend Arsenal host Southampton at the Emirates after travelling to West Ham the week prior, so they’ll be hoping to pick up another valuable six points while City are focussed on cup competitions.

Decider at the Etihad

Then comes a potential title decider at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City take on Arsenal on April 26th. It’s hard enough buying Man City tickets these days but this game is expected to be a sell-out so tickets should be like gold dust for this one. The Gunners will hope to head into this match with a healthy lead of at least five-to-eight points. However, City will have games in hand and a win at home over their rivals could put the title back in their hands depending on other results.

Obviously the game at the Etihad is going to have a huge say in who wins the title. If Arsenal can avoid defeat they’ll be well placed, while a win would put them within touching distance of lifting the crown. However, if City can stay in touch and beat the Gunners on home soil, it might just sway the title back in their favour.

Arsenal will then take on Chelsea at the Emirates just three days later before travelling to Newcastle United the following week. This three-game run could decide the fate of the title for the Londoners. If they collapse during this period, then the title is there for the taking for Man City.

The Citizens have tricky away games at Brighton, Everton and Fulham to navigate during this time as well as a home game against Leeds United, but these are all matches Guardiola would expect to win. Perhaps the away game at Brighton is their toughest test before welcoming Chelsea to Manchester on the penultimate weekend. Arsenal will also take on Brighton at home before taking on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in their penultimate game.

There is a distinct possibility that the title will go down to the final weekend of the season. If so, it could make Arsenal favourites as they take on Wolves at the Emirates Stadium while City have a tough away game at Brentford.

Lots can happen and there will no doubt be plenty of twists and turns along the way. But looking at the remaining fixtures, you have to say City have the easier run-in as they don’t play any of the ‘big seven’ away from home. Whereas Arsenal have to travel to City, Liverpool and Newcastle. The results of these games are likely to decide where the title ends up.