Sky Sports’ Paul Merson says in his latest column that the Premier League title race could be fought on goal difference, with Manchester City needing to beat Burnley to take top spot.
City’s 2-1 win over title rivals Arsenal on Sunday took Josep Guardiola’s side to just three points behind the Gunners with a game in hand.
City (+36) are just one goal behind Arsenal (+37) but have scored more points and would move into the top spot with a win over second-bottom Burnley on Wednesday, but Melson says Guardiola’s side need more than just a small win to lead the race.
Read below for Magic Man’s thoughts on the table…
“In the end it’s all about how well Man City beat Burnley.”
Arsenal performed well against the Etihad, but lost in a game they couldn’t afford to lose. You don’t have to lose a soccer game to play well. Manchester City came out of nowhere to top the league on Wednesday. It’s scary.
Arsenal no longer have the advantage but will have two games to play after Man City’s game at Burnley before City’s next game. Arsenal could go six points up again, but they have to do it.
To put pressure on City again, they need to win two games against Newcastle and Fulham. It’s mandatory.
What about City’s last five games? It’s not that difficult for them. They have Everton and Brentford, the two teams that represent Europe, but the other two games are a complete challenge. With Crystal Palace at home, they may have their eyes on the Conference League final.
And on the final day against Aston Villa, they have already qualified for the Champions League and I’m sure the priority for the week will be the Europa League final (which will be played four days before the final day of the Premier League season). So it’s a nothing game.
For me, it’s all about how well Man City beat Burnley on Wednesday night. That’s what it comes down to.
Wednesday, April 22nd 7pm
Kickoff at 8pm
If the number of goals is low and the goal difference between the two teams is 1-2 goals, Arsenal will be back in the title race. Unless City beat Burnley by four or five points, they’re not going to do that against Everton in their next game.
Everton have a very good defense and so will Brentford, who City will then play. Bournemouth, who we will face in the second to last game of the season, also have a very good back line.
The race for the Premier League title could be fought on goal difference.
“Martinelli needs to turn on if we want to win Man City”
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Watch for free: Premier League highlights between Manchester City and Arsenal
Arsenal were unlucky against the Etihad. Kai Havertz slipped when he should have scored in the second half. Eberechi Eze’s shot hit the post and rolled over the line, but on another day, earlier in the season when he was a little more free, it went in.
And how unlucky Arsenal were with Gabriel’s header. It could have easily hit O’Reilly in the arm, and if it did it would have been a penalty. But incredibly, the ball hit his side and bounced off the post.
But I don’t like it when people don’t pick up on people. And Gabriel Martinelli didn’t when he failed to track Nico O’Reilly’s run to Manchester City’s winner.
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Micah Richards analyzes Manchester City’s decisive winner against the Etihad and points out where Arsenal went wrong
You don’t have to worry about pushing Marc Gehi. Guehi is not the problem. He’s standing on the edge of his box, so let him have it there! He switched off, and when you switch off, that’s what happens.
When you’re at a club like Arsenal, you’re asked to do things like this at least once. one time. I can’t keep being told that.
Yes, O’Reilly still has time to run the entire field. But Martinelli has to nip that in the bud. You have to know that it’s dangerous.
