The game dubbed the title decider has not quite decided the title yet. Manchester City’s win, however, was consequential in the contest to become Premier League champions.
Now we are left with the task of examining the paths to lifting the trophy, with Man City’s chances looking much better.
As City’s momentum builds, they would go top of the table on goal difference with a win over Burnley on Wednesday, and the title race may come down to a drama-filled final day of the season.
What are Arsenal and City’s remaining games?
Remaining games for Arsenal and Man City
| Gameweek | Arsenal | Manchester City |
|---|---|---|
|
33 |
Burnley (A) |
|
|
34 |
Newcastle United (H) |
FA Cup semi-final |
|
35 |
Fulham (H) |
Everton (A) |
|
36 |
West Ham United (A) |
Brentford (H) |
|
37 |
Burnley (H) |
Bournemouth (A) |
|
38 |
Crystal Palace (A) |
Aston Villa (H) |
|
TBD |
Crystal Palace (H) |
(Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images)
When is the earliest Arsenal or City could win the title?
After victory today, if City go on to win their six remaining league games and Arsenal win their five fixtures, the title race will be decided by goal difference on the final day of the season, with both teams equal on 85 points.
The goal difference stands in Arsenal’s favour by one after City’s 2-1 win, but City visit Burnley away on Wednesday.
Draws and losses for either side can bring the title-winning date forward.
(Ashley Allen/Getty Images)
What’s the most realistic date?
City have only been on a six-game winning streak once in the last two seasons, between November and December last year. So the likelihood of them winning their last six games, and Arsenal matching, so the title comes down to the last day, seems doubtful.
But both sides will know any slip-ups from this point are crucial. City are rolling and are known to finish seasons strongly, while Arsenal have suffered crushing defeats in their last two league games.
For Arsenal, Newcastle at home and a trip away to relegation-battling West Ham represent possible banana skins.
While Manchester City face in-form Everton away, they have a tough trip to Bournemouth, who just beat Arsenal, and their last game is at home against top-four opposition, Aston Villa.
This makes the day the title will be decided unpredictable, as any draws or losses can alter the deciding date.
At what stage have other titles been won?
Neutrals (and City fans) can only dream of a title decider as dramatic as Sergio Aguero’s late winner against Queens Park Rangers to deny Manchester United the title in 2011-12.
The Premier League (1992-93 onwards) has been decided 10 times on the final day, and the team in control has always gone on to win the title.
This included Manchester City over Arsenal in 2023-24 when City confirmed their title after a 3-1 win over West Ham United in their final game, finishing on 91 points.
Last season, Liverpool wrapped up the title on April 27 with four games remaining after beating Tottenham Hotspur 5-1.
It was the Liverpool side of 2019-20, under Jurgen Klopp, who sealed first place with a Premier League record seven matches remaining, in a season disrupted for months by the Covid-19 pandemic.
When would the trophy be presented?
Title winners are presented with the Premier League trophy after their last home game of the season, unless the title is decided on the final day, in which case they will be presented with it following that game, whether home or away.
On the final day, identical Premier League trophies stand waiting at the stadiums where the contenders are playing. This year, that would be City at home to Aston Villa and Arsenal away to Crystal Palace.
The holders, Liverpool this year, keep hold of one of these trophies over the season, but must return it at least three weeks before the final match. The other is kept for use by the league.
Identical podiums and pyrotechnics are on standby at each ground, as well as 40 winners’ medals, with the trophy engraving done after the presentation.
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