Number of victories Arsenal and Man City need to clinch Premier League title
Arsenal have regained their spot at the top of the Premier League table following Sunday's hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have now notched up back-to-back league wins, suggesting they've recovered from their unstable spell which saw them drop points on the road against Brentford and Wolves.
In contrast, Manchester City secured a narrow 1-0 win at Leeds United with Antoine Semenyo netting the solitary goal for the Citizens. As we edge closer to the final phase and into the concluding months of the campaign, the title race is further complicated by additional tournaments.
There's still a wealth of football to be played in the Champions League and FA Cup, not to mention the Carabao Cup final between the top two. Notably, Arsenal have now played one match more than City, who still have a postponed home game against Crystal Palace to contend with in the coming months.
Mikel Arteta's team have just nine fixtures left whilst Pep Guardiola's resolute challengers have 10 Premier League matches to play.
Arsenal are leading the pack with 64 points, whilst City sit on 59. The maximum points City can achieve at this stage is 89, and that's assuming they overcome the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium.
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Arsenal's maximum is 91 and that's also assuming they overcome City at the Etihad in April. Crucially, if Arsenal triumph in that match, City's maximum points tally is 86.
In this scenario, the maths suggests Arsenal would need to amass an additional 20 points from their other eight games to secure the title - which could be six victories and two draws. Thus, a total of 23 points from the Gunners' remaining nine fixtures, assuming they win at City, would be enough to see them crowned champions.
City also recognise that the title is still within their reach because if they win their remaining 10 matches, they will finish at the top. If the two EFL Cup finalists were to draw in April, City would also need Arsenal to drop more points before the season's end as they would still be two points adrift even if they win their game in hand.
In the event of a stalemate when they face off in April, Arsenal would need a total of 25 points from their nine matches to mathematically secure their first Premier League title since 2004.
It's fair to say there is a long journey ahead for both teams and the must-see clash at the Etihad in April will significantly determine where the trophy ends up.
However, it's very possible that the battle for the title will be decided on the final day. City welcome Aston Villa on the last matchday, whilst Arsenal travel across London to take on Crystal Palace.
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