Premier League title race is heading toward a thrilling finish as Arsenal and Manchester City battle for English football’s biggest prize with only a handful of matches remaining.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal currently hold the advantage after City dropped points in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Everton, but Pep Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand that could swing momentum back in their favor.
How the Premier League title race stands
Arsenal sit five points clear at the top of the table with three matches left to play, while Manchester City have four games remaining. That means the Gunners control their own destiny — win every remaining match and they will be crowned champions regardless of what City do.
The title race intensified after City squandered a two-goal lead against Everton before salvaging a late draw through Jeremy Doku. Arsenal now know even one City slip-up could hand them a decisive advantage.
When Arsenal can win the Premier League title
Arsenal’s quickest route to the title could arrive as early as May 13.
According to the Premier League, Arsenal would move within touching distance if they beat West Ham and Manchester City lose to Brentford. If City then fail to beat Crystal Palace days later, Arsenal would officially become champions.
The simplest equation for Arteta’s side remains straightforward: win all three remaining matches and the trophy returns to north London for the first time in 22 years.
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures:
- West Ham (away)
- Chelsea (home)
- Brighton (away)
When Manchester City can still become champions
Manchester City are still firmly alive in the Premier League title race because of their game in hand.
If Guardiola’s side win all four remaining league matches, Arsenal would need near-perfect results to stay ahead. City’s superior experience in late-season title battles could also become decisive if the race goes down to the final weekend.
City’s remaining fixtures:
- Brentford (home)
- Crystal Palace (home)
- Aston Villa (away)
- Leeds United (home)
The reigning champions have repeatedly thrived under pressure in recent years, including last season when they overtook Arsenal late in the campaign to secure another title. Manchester City’s 2023/24 title triumph remains a reminder of how dangerous Guardiola’s side can be during the run-in.
Could goal difference decide the Premier League title race?
There is also a realistic possibility the title could be decided on goal difference.
If Arsenal and Manchester City finish level on points, Premier League rules would first use goal difference to separate the teams, followed by goals scored if necessary.
The league has only once been decided by goal difference in the modern era — Manchester City’s unforgettable 2011/12 triumph over Manchester United. Recent Premier League title permutations show how another dramatic finale could now unfold.
There is even a scenario where head-to-head results or a playoff could determine the champion if teams finish level on every major tiebreaker.
Why this title race feels different for Arsenal
Arsenal have narrowly missed out in recent seasons, but this campaign appears different because of their defensive consistency and composure in key moments.
Arteta recently urged his players to “channel energy in the right way” as the pressure intensifies during the closing weeks of the season.
The Gunners also know the pain of previous near-misses. Arsenal’s title race collapse in 2024 remains fresh in supporters’ minds, while City’s relentless finishing power has become a defining feature of Guardiola’s reign.
What happens next?
Every remaining fixture now carries enormous significance in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal have the advantage and the momentum, but Manchester City’s experience means the battle is far from over. With dramatic twists still possible and goal difference potentially decisive, the race could produce one of the closest finishes in Premier League history. The latest Premier League title race standings underline just how little separates the two sides.
Football fans may not know the champion until the final whistle of the season.
