The reigning Premier League champions may have expected to go toe-to-toe with a fellow title challenger as, they look to secure a third successive trophy, but not many would have anticipated Arsenal to be right up there with them. They find themselves embroiled in one of the most enticing run-ins in recent memory, and appear to be hitting their stride at just the right time. Although their schedule is jam-packed between now and the end of the season, we are posing the question, when can Manchester City win the Premier League and kickstart their ambitions for a first ever treble?
When Can Manchester City Win The Premier League?
Throughout much of the season, Manchester City have found themselves in a strangely unfamiliar position having trailed Arsenal for the vast majority.
Although Mikel Arteta’s side have burst into life with bundles of youthful exuberance and fearless tenacity, there was always doubts bubbling under the surface as to whether they; one, have the squad depth to challenge City, and two, the experience in tough moments to persevere in the face of mounting pressure.
Indeed, these doubts have begun to surface after the Gunners registered two consecutive draws against Liverpool and West Ham, allowing City to trim the deficit to just four points, while also holding a game in hand.
Pep Guardiola boasts a truly stupendous run-in record since arriving in England, losing just seven out of a possible 54 when taking into account the final 10 games of each of his six seasons.
The Spaniard will have to contend with another Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, the second in two years, which is sure to be a draining two-legged intermission from their pursuit of domestic success.
Coupled with the an FA Cup last-four meeting with Sheffield United this weekend, they are set to play at least an extra three games than their fellow title challengers.
If there is any squad in world football that can handle the workload, it is this serial-winning City side.
Manchester City Remaining Fixtures
- April 26: Arsenal (H)
- April 30: Fulham (A)
- May 3: West Ham (H)
- May 7: Leeds (H)
- May 14: Everton (A)
- May 20: Chelsea (H)
- May 28: Brentford (A)
- TBC: Brighton (A)
Manchester City’s maximum points total from this point on is 94, which would have been enough to win the title in only two of the last four seasons.
Should Arsenal find a way past Southampton on Friday evening, they can open up a seven-point gap with City, who themselves will hold two games in hand heading into next Wednesday’s pivotal title clash in Manchester.
RELATED: When Arsenal Could Win the Premier League Title
According to Opta‘s latest title predictions, City are favourites having been handed a 53% chance by its supercomputer. This is likely fuelled by their impeccable record against Arsenal at the Etihad, where their opponents haven’t tasted victory since 2015, but also their current 15-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Should the champions prevail victorious, they will be able to move back to within four points, before potentially cutting the gap to just one point.
Arsenal have several tough fixtures on the horizon, including a trip to Newcastle – Gunners fans will not need reminding of their collapse at St James’ Park last season at a similar stage, which saw them miss out on European football.
This is then followed by Brighton at home – again, a fixture that proved to be a thorn in their side last year.
Lose both of those, and Pep Guardiola’s side will undoubtedly be in the driving seat, with the opportunity to gain a five-point lead with victories over Fulham and West Ham.
Brighton and Brentford away before the close of the season will likely prove to be the sternest tests left in their season. If they manage to take points off Arsenal, and the Gunners then slip up again, they may well lift the trophy in West London, either as soon as May 20th at Chelsea, or perhaps against Brentford the week after.
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