As the Premier League season nears its end, April could determine whether Arsenal or Manchester City lift the trophy.
Arsenal sit nine points clear with seven games left, putting the run-in largely in their hands as they chase the club’s first league title since 2004. City, though second, have a game in hand and the experience of late-season comebacks, and they can ratchet up the pressure when they host Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday 19 April. Recent years suggest City often thrive in April while Arsenal have slipped.
“We need to get a lot of points,” said Pep Guardiola. “We have not been consistent enough in the season. We have dropped points that we should have taken, which is why we are now in the position where we cannot do it differently. We have to win every single game.”
Arteta’s side have drawn seven matches this season — the same number as City — but have suffered two fewer defeats. Since Arteta took charge in 2019 they have won only the FA Cup and Community Shield, making a league triumph especially important after three consecutive seasons finishing runners-up.
Arsenal can extend their lead when they host Bournemouth in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, while City visit sixth-placed Chelsea on Sunday. “The closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases,” Arteta said. “[Saturday] is a big day for us. The players know it, the supporters know it. It is a 12:30 kick-off, an early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch and let’s go all together for it because it has to be a big day.”
