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How Arsenal and Man City did against final five opponents as reverse fixtures show who has edge

Arsenal and Manchester City’s run-ins compared with the sides level on points and goal difference ahead of the final five games

It’s advantage Manchester City, just, in the Premier League title race after their 1-0 win at Burnley.

Arsenal and City are now locked together on 70 points with identical win-draw-loss records and the same goal difference. City occupy top spot courtesy of goals scored – 66 to 63 – but don’t play again in the league until May 4 due to their FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.

The Gunners can retake top spot by avoiding defeat against Newcastle on Saturday, although they realistically need to win to keep the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side. Arsenal fans are understandably fearing the worst after seeing their once healthy lead eroded by City.

However, previous games against their remaining opponents may offer some hope as the Gunners look to end their league title drought…

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Arsenal

Newcastle (A) – Saturday, April 25

Reverse fixture: The Gunners won 2-1 at St James’ Park thanks to goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel.

Fulham (H) – Saturday, May 2

Reverse fixture: Leandro Trossard scored the only goal at Craven Cottage.

West Ham (A) – Sunday, May 10

Reverse fixture: The Hammers were beaten 2-0 in October, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka finding the net.

Burnley (H) – Sunday, May 17

Reverse fixture: Another win, 2-0, thanks to first-half goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Rice.

Crystal Palace (A) – Sunday, May 24

Reverse fixture: Eberechi Eze scored the only goal against his former club.

Man City

Everton (A) – Monday, May 4

Reverse fixture: An Erling Haaland brace secured a 2-0 win.

Brentford (H) – Saturday, May 9

Reverse fixture: Haaland was again the difference with the only goal at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Bournemouth (A) – Sunday, May 17

Reverse fixture: Another double from Haaland, plus a Nico O’Reilly effort, completed a 3-1 win.

Crystal Palace (H) – TBC

Reverse fixture: Haaland struck twice, either side of a Phil Foden goal, as City cruised to a 3-0 win in south London.

Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, May 24

Reverse fixture: Matty Cash scored the only goal as City slipped to a rare defeat.

Verdict

If these results are repeated – unlikely, we know – then Arsenal will be lifting the Premier League title but only after a dramatic last-day decider. The Gunners have won the reserve games against all five of their remaining opponents, while City won four out of five, losing only to Villa.

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