Jamie Redknapp says Arsenal have “put the pressure on” Man City in the Premier League title race after beating Fulham 3-0 to extend their lead at the top of the table to six points.
City took the lead with victory over Arsenal last month, but the Gunners have been on a winning streak since then, making it imperative for Pep Guardiola’s side to respond in their next two Premier League games, starting with an away trip to Everton on Monday Night Football.
“This Man City team can overwhelm teams, but what Arsenal have done is bounce back from the pressure. Anything can still happen, but I think Arsenal are the favorites to win,” said the Sky Sports pundit.
Arsenal scored three goals on Saturday, extending their goal difference advantage over City to four. They scored 67 goals compared to City’s 66.
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Watch for free: Highlights of the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham.
Redknapp believes Arsenal’s remaining Premier League games – against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace – are an opportunity to further strengthen their position as a differentiator.
City still have Everton, Brentford, Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa remaining.
“For Man City, the game against Bournemouth will be Andoni Iraola’s last home game, so there will be celebrations there and Bournemouth will want to put on a bit of a show,” Redknapp said.
“It’s always going to be difficult for Everton to play David Moyes’ side away and Brentford are aiming for Europe.
“I look at the games where Arsenal had a big advantage in terms of goal difference. There was one game that really pissed me off, and that was at home to Burnley.
“If we work on the basis that both teams are perfect and win the remaining games, unless Arsenal can beat Burnley 3-0 or 4-0 and increase the goal difference… that’s a big chance.”
Merce: ‘If Arsenal win their remaining three games, City will have to remove the tree’
For former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson, if the Gunners can win their final three Premier League games, a shake-up could be too much for City as they look to make up their goal difference.
“If Arsenal win their next three Premier League games, Man City will have to remove their trees,” he said.
“Ahead of the FA Cup final (against Chelsea on May 16th), they will be constantly trying to catch up from now until the end of the season, but unless they get a big win against Everton or Brentford, Arsenal will be able to catch up and with a bigger goal difference they can swing.
“If we don’t do that, they’re always going to be on the tail end and they’re going to pay the price in the end. We know we have to win this game to stay on the tail end.
“The easiest game for them going forward is against Aston Villa. They’re already in the top five, that’s for sure. They could have played in the Europa League final the Wednesday before.”
“That could be their goal difference game.”
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Miles Lewis-Skelly recalled hugging Mikel Arteta at full-time after Arsenal’s win over Fulham and joked with Paul Merson about starting the Champions League game against Atletico Madrid.
Arteta: we keep living the dream
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was satisfied with his team’s performance against Fulham, especially in the first half.
Asked if the manager had been sent to Man City following the win over Fulham, he answered “no” and said he had sent a message to his team.
“It tells us and our dressing room to keep the dream alive,” he said at a press conference.
He told Sky Sports after the match:
“It was a great team performance from the start. There were also some great individual performances, which are very important.
“We started the game the way we wanted, very aggressive and lively. Great combinations, attacking combinations, high pressing and intense rallies.”
“We had a great crowd, but when this stadium creates an atmosphere like that it can be difficult for opponents.
“It was the type of game we expected. It was true that we were missing some players before the game, so we had more players available today.
“It was very balanced in terms of quality. The players performed well.
“We showed a lot of authority, determination and composure. We brought a lot of energy into the stadium and they responded in a great way and it was a big win.”
