Matchday 28 always looked likely to be a pivotal moment in the Premier League title race, and so it proved.
Arsenal were the major victors to emerge from the weekend’s fixtures, with the Gunners going top of the table with a 2-1 win over Brentford before their two rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City, did battle at Anfield.
An entertaining 1-1 draw on Merseyside leaves all three teams separated by just a single point with 10 games of the season remaining.
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With the FA Cup quarter-finals taking centre-stage this coming weekend, the three competitors have time to draw breath before returning to league action after the international break.
As one of the most absorbing title races in many years enters its decisive phase, we look at each team’s remaining fixtures to see where the battle might be won and lost.
The way things stand in the Premier League top three 👀
With 10 matches to go, it couldn’t be much closer… pic.twitter.com/OPPEe9eOVe
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 10, 2024
ARSENAL (1st, 64 points, GD +46)
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners currently have the edge over their rivals, having won all eight of their Premier League fixtures in 2024 by a remarkable aggregate score of 33-4. That sizable boost to their goal difference has come at an opportune time, giving them a seven-goal buffer to Liverpool.
However, they face the sternest test of their credentials next time out, going to the Etihad Stadium for a huge clash with City, who demolished them 4-1 in the same fixture last season.
Getting through that match unscathed will be key for Arsenal, though they face a daunting set of away fixtures overall, with all five of their remaining road trips pitting them against teams currently inside the top half of the table.
Their visits to North London rivals Tottenham – set for the last weekend of April – and Manchester United on the season’s penultimate matchday promise to be huge occasions.
Arsenal remaining fixtures: Man City (A), Luton Town (H), Brighton (A), Aston Villa (H), Wolves (A), Tottenham (A), Bournemouth (H), Manchester United (A), Everton (H).
To be arranged: Chelsea (H).
The noise inside Emirates Stadium 😍 pic.twitter.com/XOKtB6oAup
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 10, 2024
LIVERPOOL (2nd, 64 points, GD +39)
Liverpool might feel they have the kindest set of remaining fixtures, having already faced both of their title rivals twice.
The Anfield factor will be huge as Jurgen Klopp embarks on his farewell tour, and having home advantage for their meeting with Spurs – one of just two teams to beat them in the Premier League this campaign – could be crucial.
There are, however, a couple of fixtures which may provide cause for concern. Back in 2018-19, Liverpool finished with 97 points but were still edged out by City, with goalless draws at Old Trafford and Goodison Park proving costly. Both of those grounds still await them in 2023-24.
Both Arsenal and City have already lost at Villa Park this term, meanwhile, and Aston Villa may still be fighting for UEFA Champions League qualification when Liverpool go there in May.
Liverpool remaining fixtures: Brighton (H), Sheffield United (H), Manchester United (A), Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (A), Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H).
TBA: Everton (A).
For the final time as @LFC manager against Pep Guardiola’s @ManCity 🔴 🔵
One of the most evenly contested Premier League rivalries comes to an end 🤝#LIVMCI pic.twitter.com/ByTvxbNy3F
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 10, 2024
MANCHESTER CITY (3rd, 63 points, GD +35)
Last season, City roared back to snatch the title away from Arsenal by winning 12 straight Premier League games between matchweeks 24 and 36. They may just need a similar run to retain their crown, with midfielder Rodri setting them a target of nine victories from their final 10 games.
The champions’ toughest tests come early on, with home games against two sides they have already lost to this term in Arsenal and Villa.
If Pep Guardiola’s men can come through those contests with maximum points, Arsenal might just find themselves in the awkward position of needing a favour from local rivals Tottenham.
City have lost all on all four of their trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League. With all three of the contenders still to play, Spurs could have a huge say in the destination of the title.
Manchester City remaining fixtures: Arsenal (H), Aston Villa (H), Crystal Palace (A), Luton Town (H), Tottenham (A), Nottingham Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (H).
TBA: Brighton (A).
.@KevinDeBruyne and John Stones’ set piece special is your @Sure Move of the Match 👌 pic.twitter.com/Tpe3ndjast
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 11, 2024
