14 May 2023 , 18:04
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Manchester City are closing in on their third successive Premier League title after Arsenal lost once again to leave their own hopes in tatters.
The Gunners were battered 3-0 at home to in-form Brighton on Sunday, meaning that City are four points ahead with three games to play, while Arsenal have just two matches remaining. Earlier on Sunday, Pep Guardiola's rampant side dispatched Everton by a three-goal margin of their own and assured an 11th win on the bounce in their pursuit of a treble triumph.
But when can City win it? Here are the permutations ahead of a decisive next few days.
Because of Arsenal's latest defeat, Guardiola's men can be crowned Premier League champions even before they next have to kick a ball in domestic action. Should the Gunners lose once more away to Nottingham Forest, City would be confirmed as champions next Saturday, May 20.
If Arsenal beat Forest, their joy might not last long, as City can instead win it the following day if they claim victory over Chelsea at the Etihad. Should Arsenal draw their game, then City would only need a draw with Chelsea in order to secure the title.
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Have your say! Will Arsenal be in the title race next season? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
Manchester City are now four points clear of ArsenalFor now, though, Guardiola is focussed on City's next match, a Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday. "We've done our duty by beating them at the Etihad," the Spaniard told Sky Sports post-match. "Both teams have had an exceptional season. It was good to win between the Real Madrid games."
Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard glumly confessed: "Yeah it feels like [the title race is over]. It is going to be very difficult now we have to be honest. It is tough to take. It is not a good feeling at the moment. The way we played, particularly in the second half, I don't know what happened to be honest. It feels like there is no hope now."
Arsenal are now hoping for a miracle in the Premier League title raceGunners legend Patrick Vieira has also admitted defeat, saying: "I'm sorry to say it but I think it's impossible for City to let that [lead at the top] go now. It was a must-win game for Arsenal and today they didn't play their game. There was a lack of energy. It looked like the result of City killed their legs because they didn't do enough to win the game."
Roy Keane, who fought many a title battle against Arsenal as Manchester United captain, added: "Arsenal look like they've run out of steam mentally and physically. They look like they've come off a tough European game. They've given it a good go this season but they've come up just short."