On Match of the Day Danny Murphy argued the title race is far from decided and Arsenal must stay united. Even if City leapfrog Arsenal on goal difference with a win at Burnley, Arsenal would still be in a strong position. They can — and have — produced emphatic results this season, so they must refocus and remember they are fighting for big prizes both domestically and in Europe. Murphy believes Arsenal can still win their remaining matches, but there are reasons to favour City.
The first advantage for Manchester City is schedule-related: they are already out of European competition and therefore fresher. That extra rest in the calendar matters as the season reaches its final stretch. The second factor is stability. Pep Guardiola appears to have settled on a preferred starting XI in recent games, which is unusual for him given the rotation his squad normally requires. Apart from a goalkeeper switch that has seen James Trafford deputise in some cup matches, Guardiola’s selection has been consistent. That continuity has allowed the front line to click, the Rodri–Bernardo Silva partnership to control midfield, and the defence to knit together. In the three matches after the internati
