Arsenal watched on as Manchester City struggled to beat Burnley at Turf Moor handing them a boost to their Premier League title chances
Anyone expecting now-relegated Burnley to have taken anything from their clash with Manchester City on Wednesday night was likely kidding themselves. Not only have Scott Parker’s side been rather atrocious this season, but their record against Man City is nothing short of disastrous.
City had scored three or more goals against Burnley in their last three meetings in the Premier League, winning 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season. Arsenal watched on, knowing that anything more than a one-goal victory would have seen them drop below them in goal difference.
But that one-goal win is exactly what occurred, even after Erling Haaland broke the deadlock after just a handful of minutes, making many believe The Clarets were due another trouncing. But the defence, which included former City man Kyle Walker, held firm, and despite being relegated, Parker’s team did the Gunners something of a favour.
The mood might be a delicate subject at Arsenal right now after having seemingly blown a lead at the top of the table, which could have been nine points had they beaten both Bournemouth and City in the past two weeks, and most are therefore calling the title very much done.
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Even Pep Guardiola said that if his side lost on Sunday against Arsenal with the gap then six points, it was over. It is far from over now, with both teams having five games left to play, but the Gunners, on paper, have the easier fixtures.
Arsenal’s remaining opponents occupy 14th, 12th, 17th, 19th and 13th (15th place average). Whereas City’s remaining games come against sides currently sat in 10th, 9th, 7th, 13th and 4th (8.6th place average). Opta, who had given Arsenal a previous ~97% chance of winning the league only weeks ago, now see it as a ~65%/~35% split still in the North London side’s favour.
Yet that result against Burnley, levelling the playing field, has given the Arsenal side greater confidence. From this point, if City secure the greater number of points or, if required, goals, then they are worthy champions and have stolen the league from the Gunners, who will face considerable scrutiny for their ‘bottling’ should that come to pass.
However, the words of Declan Rice of ‘It’s not over’ spotted on camera in the aftermath of Sunday’s defeat are ringing true as the run-in heats up. Arsenal can move three points clear without response this weekend at home to Newcastle United, while City remain in FA Cup action, forcing another league game, Bournemouth away, to be rescheduled to midweek should they progress to the final.
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Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
