Manchester City has regained the Premier League lead from Arsenal with a victory over Burnley (0-1) on Wednesday night, with only four matches remaining in the championship. Despite being equal on points, there is now a clear leader. This Saturday evening, on Burnley’s pitch in the north of Manchester, the Citizens took a significant step towards the English title. Erling Haaland scored a goal in the fifth minute, securing a comfortable win (0-1). With three additional points on the board, they now share the same points as their direct competitor, Arsenal (70 points).
The Premier League regulations have established five criteria to differentiate between two equal leaders, especially if this remains the case after the 38 championship matches. Firstly, the best goal difference (Manchester City and Arsenal are equal at +37), followed by rewarding the superior attack (66 goals for City, 63 for Arsenal). The third criterion is based on the points obtained in direct confrontations (4 for City, 1 for Arsenal), before considering away goals in these matches (1 each).
However, it has never occurred in the history of the English championship that the first four criteria fail to separate the two teams, leading to a playoff match on neutral ground. Manchester City and Arsenal are unlikely to reach this stage, and this historical scenario will not unfold this season. Regardless, Pep Guardiola’s men have the upper hand in the direct confrontation with a victory at the Etihad Stadium (2-1) and a draw at the Emirates Stadium (1-1).
The Premier League still has five matchdays left before crowning its champion. Arsenal, who is also in the Champions League (facing Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals), will face Newcastle this Saturday, followed by Fulham, a trip to West Ham, a match against Burnley, and finally a visit to Crystal Palace. On the other hand, Manchester City, focusing solely on the league and the FA Cup (semi-final against Southampton on Saturday), will play Everton, Bournemouth, and host Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa to wrap up the season.
The English title race between Arsenal and Manchester City is set to be a close one. Five matchdays of excitement lie ahead. Either the London club will reclaim a trophy lost since 2004, or the Citizens will regain their title just a year after losing it to Liverpool.
