1 Solid Defensive Foundations
William Saliba and Gabriel have been superb
Arsenal have the best defensive record in the division, having conceded only 26 goals in their first 32 Premier League fixtures to date. A lot of this stability is down to the consistency of the centre-back partnership Arteta has been able to field in the majority of games.
William Saliba and Gabriel are among the best defenders in the English top-flight currently, and the duo make an incredible partnership at the heart of the Gunners’ back-line. David Raya has all but wrapped up the Golden Glove award as the Spaniard has shut out opponents on 13 occasions during his debut season at the club.
Arsenal have the best defensive record in the division, having conceded only 26 goals in their first 32 Premier League fixtures to date. A lot of this stability is down to the consistency of the centre-back partnership Arteta has been able to field in the majority of games.
William Saliba and Gabriel are among the best defenders in the English top-flight currently, and the duo make an incredible partnership at the heart of the Gunners’ back-line. David Raya has all but wrapped up the Golden Glove award as the Spaniard has shut out opponents on 13 occasions during his debut season at the club.
2 The Fixture Schedule
The Gunners play again before Man City
Arsenal’s victory over Wolves put them back on top of the Premier League table, although Arteta’s men have played one game more than Man City at the time of writing. This will extend to two games in midweek as Chelsea head to the Emirates a day before Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Brighton.
Should the Gunners take all three points against their London rivals, they will hold a four-point advantage over their title rivals – but the Citizens will have two games in hand. While this still leaves the reigning champions in the driving seat, the players may start to feel the weight of the pressure knowing they will need to win both of their games to regain top spot.
3 Goal Difference
Arsenal have a significant advantage
The main reason City would need to win both their games in hand in the event Arsenal defeat Chelsea is the goal difference situation. As things stand, the men in red and white hold a seven-goal advantage over Man City and have an even stronger lead ahead of Liverpool.
This means in the event that any team finishes with the same number of points as Arteta’s team – which is becoming an increasing possibility – Arsenal would be handed the Premier League trophy, as goal difference comes into play before other factors such as head-to-head and goals scored.
4 Fatigue Setting in
Man City have looked jaded in recent weeks
Now that domestic football in England has reached the business end of the season, tired legs are beginning to set in. This has been evident in Man City’s recent exploits away from the league. The Premier League’s dominant club played the full 120 minutes against Real Madrid in the Champions League before looking extremely fatigued during Saturday’s narrow 1-0 FA Cup success over Chelsea.
Should this hangover from their European exit continue, Arsenal could reap the rewards as they’ve positioned themselves to be ready to capitalise on any potential slip-ups from the current title favourites. Liverpool, meanwhile, have also looked leggy in defeats against Atalanta and Crystal Palace, plus a draw at Old Trafford, in recent weeks.
5 Liverpool’s Poor Run of Form
The Reds have struggled in their past few games
Speaking of the Reds, Jurgen Klopp’s farewell tour has hit a brick wall in the past few games. Despite creating a barrel-load of chances against both Manchester United and Crystal Palace, Liverpool only took one point out of a potential six.
With the German manager set to depart at the end of the season, fans were hoping a few trophies would be secured to send him off in fitting fashion. However, defeat in the Europa League and dropping off the pace slightly in the Premier League title race has left the Merseysiders licking their wounds. This has given both Arsenal and Man City an advantage over Klopp’s side heading into the final stretch.
