Track Tickets
With 13 matches remaining, Arsenal hold a six-point lead over Manchester City in what is shaping up to be another thrilling Premier League title race. The two sides will also meet in the EFL Cup Final on March 22 before a potential title-deciding clash at the Etihad in April.
How the title race stands
After 25 matches, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League with 56 points from 17 wins, five draws and just three defeats. Their goal difference of +32 is the best in the division, highlighting the defensive solidity that has been the hallmark of Mikel Arteta's side.
Manchester City are the closest challengers on 50 points, six behind the Gunners. Pep Guardiola's side have shown they remain very much in the hunt, most recently with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at Liverpool where Erling Haaland converted a stoppage-time penalty.
Aston Villa complete the title-challenging trio, sitting third on 47 points – nine behind Arsenal. However, Unai Emery's side have won just one of their last five league matches and appear to be fading from contention.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 25 | 17 | 5 | 3 | +32 | 56 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 25 | 15 | 5 | 5 | +27 | 50 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 25 | 14 | 5 | 6 | +9 | 47 |
| 4 | Manchester United | 25 | 12 | 8 | 5 | +10 | 44 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 25 | 12 | 7 | 6 | +17 | 43 |
Arsenal's title credentials
The Gunners have been the most consistent team in the Premier League this season. Their six-point advantage after 25 matches is the biggest lead they have ever held at this stage of a Premier League campaign – a significant milestone for a club that hasn't lifted the title since 2004.
Arsenal's recent form has been impressive. After a wobble that saw them lose 3-2 to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium and draw consecutive goalless matches against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, Arteta's side responded emphatically with a dominant 4-0 victory at Leeds United followed by a comfortable 3-0 win over Sunderland.
The arrival of Viktor Gyökeres has added firepower to an already potent attack, while the defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel continues to provide a solid foundation. Martín Zubimendi has also proven to be a crucial addition in midfield.
Arsenal's biggest tests in the coming weeks include London derbies against Brentford (away, February 12) and Tottenham (away, February 21), plus a home clash against Chelsea on February 28.
Can Manchester City catch Arsenal?
If any team knows how to hunt down a lead, it's Manchester City. In 2020/21, they trailed Liverpool by eight points in mid-December only to win the title comfortably. Two seasons later, they were five points behind Arsenal as late as February but still lifted the trophy in May.
Guardiola's side have shown their champion's mentality this season. The dramatic victory at Anfield, where they came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to Haaland's late penalty, was a statement of intent. Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo have also impressed since their January arrivals, adding goals and creativity to an already fearsome attack.
City's immediate fixtures look favourable. They host Fulham on Wednesday before facing Newcastle United at home on February 21, Leeds United away and Nottingham Forest at home.
The key question is whether City can maintain consistency while also competing in the Champions League and FA Cup. The EFL Cup Final against Arsenal on March 22 will be a fascinating subplot in the title race.
Key fixtures in the title race
February
- Wed 11: Manchester City vs Fulham (H)
- Thu 12: Brentford vs Arsenal
- Sat 21: Manchester City vs Newcastle United (H)
- Sat 21: Tottenham vs Arsenal
- Sat 28: Arsenal vs Chelsea (H)
March
- Wed 4: Brighton vs Arsenal
- Sat 14: Arsenal vs Everton (H)
- Sun 22: EFL Cup Final – Arsenal vs Manchester City (Wembley)
April
- Sat 18: Manchester City vs Arsenal – potential title decider
The outsiders: Villa, United and Chelsea
While the title race appears to be a two-horse contest, three other clubs remain mathematically in contention.
Aston Villa enjoyed a sensational run earlier in the season, winning nine of ten matches at one stage. However, their recent form has seen them drop points in crucial matches, including a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth last weekend. With 47 points and a nine-point deficit, Villa would need both Arsenal and City to falter significantly.
Manchester United have been transformed under interim manager Michael Carrick, winning four consecutive matches including victories over Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham. The Red Devils sit fourth on 44 points and, while the title is likely out of reach, they are firmly in the Champions League qualification race.
Chelsea round out the top five on 43 points. Cole Palmer continues to be their talisman, scoring a first-half hattrick against Wolves last weekend, but inconsistency has plagued their season.
What the experts say
Supercomputer predictions give Arsenal a 90% chance of lifting their first Premier League title since 2004, with Manchester City given an 8% probability. The remaining 2% is split between Aston Villa and other challengers.
However, as Guardiola himself noted after the international break in November: "Now the real, real season starts. The important thing is to be there, to be close and, after that, arrive at the end of the season with the chance that we can fight for it."
With 13 matches remaining and 39 points still to play for, there is plenty of time for the narrative to shift. Arsenal will be desperate to finally end their 22-year wait, but they face a City side that has made a habit of reeling in leaders.
Liverpool's title defence ends with a whimper
Defending champions Liverpool have endured a frustrating campaign. Despite a £400 million summer spending spree that brought in Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké, Arne Slot's side sit sixth on just 39 points – 17 behind Arsenal.
While Liverpool have impressed in the Champions League, reaching the knockout stages with ease, their domestic form has been poor. The 2-1 defeat to City at Anfield last weekend was their latest setback in a season that has seen them struggle against teams who sit deep and absorb pressure.
The Reds' title defence is effectively over, with their focus now shifting to securing European qualification for next season.
The relegation battle
At the other end of the table, the fight for survival is equally compelling. Wolverhampton Wanderers are rooted to the bottom with just 8 points from 25 matches – a record that, if maintained, would see them relegated with several weeks to spare.
Burnley sit 19th on 15 points, while West Ham United occupy 18th place on 23 points. Crysencio Summerville's remarkable scoring streak – five goals in five consecutive matches – is keeping the Hammers' survival hopes alive.
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