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Arsenal on the brink of Premier League title after Man City's late draw at Everton

The Gunners can secure their first league crown in 22 years by winning their remaining three matches, starting with Sunday's trip to West Ham.

3 min
Arsenal on the brink of Premier League title after Man City's late draw at Everton
The Gunners can secure their first league crown in 22 years by winning their remaining three matches, starting with SundCredit · Sky Sports

Key facts

  • Manchester City drew 3-3 with Everton on Monday Night Football after Jérémy Doku scored a last-gasp equaliser.
  • Arsenal hold a five-point lead over City with three games remaining; City have four games left.
  • Arsenal need three wins from three to guarantee their first Premier League title since 2003-04.
  • Arsenal face West Ham (18th), an opponent in 19th place, and a side distracted by a cup final in their final three fixtures.
  • Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said if Arsenal beat West Ham on Sunday, they will win the league.
  • Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry warned that West Ham could be a stumbling block, saying 'nothing is done'.
  • Phil Foden has agreed in principle to a new four-year contract with Manchester City.

City's late salvage leaves Arsenal in control

Manchester City rescued a 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday night, but the result handed Arsenal the advantage in the Premier League title race. Jérémy Doku's second goal of the match, a curling last-gasp equaliser, prevented City from falling six points behind, yet the draw means Arsenal now hold a five-point lead with three games to play. City have four matches remaining, but the title is no longer in their hands.

Arsenal's path to glory: three wins required

Arsenal must win all three of their remaining fixtures to secure their first Premier League title in 22 years. Their next match is away to West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. The Gunners then face a side currently 19th in the table and a team likely distracted by a looming cup final in Leipzig. Given the opposition, many pundits consider Arsenal's run-in favourable.

Pundits divided: Carragher's confidence vs Henry's caution

Jamie Carragher, speaking on Monday Night Football, declared that if Arsenal beat West Ham, they will win the league. 'If Arsenal win against West Ham next Sunday, they win the league,' he said. However, Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal striker, urged restraint. 'I am not going to celebrate too early. Nothing is done,' he said, adding that West Ham could be Arsenal's 'Everton' – a reference to the Toffees' stubborn draw with City.

The numbers behind the title race

Arsenal's five-point lead at the top translates to a maximum possible total of 89 points if they win all remaining games. City, with four matches left, could reach 88 points if they win all theirs. The Gunners' goal difference is also superior. Arsenal's remaining opponents are all in the bottom half of the table, while City face a mix of mid-table and relegation-threatened sides.

Guardiola's muted reaction and Foden's future

Pep Guardiola described the draw as 'better than losing' and acknowledged that the title is 'not in our hands'. The City manager's future at the Etihad remains uncertain, but midfielder Phil Foden has reportedly agreed in principle to a new four-year deal. Foden, now 25, has seen limited game time this season, leading some to suggest he might benefit from a loan move.

What comes next: Champions League distraction and title decider

Arsenal face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday before turning their attention to West Ham. A win in east London could effectively seal the title, as Carragher argued. City, meanwhile, must regroup and hope Arsenal slip up. The title race could be decided as early as Sunday if Arsenal triumph and City drop points in their next fixture.

The bottom line

  • Arsenal hold a five-point lead over Manchester City with three games remaining, putting the title in their own hands.
  • A win at West Ham on Sunday would, clinch the Premier League for Arsenal.
  • Thierry Henry warned against complacency, noting West Ham's potential to cause an upset.
  • Manchester City's 3-3 draw at Everton was a missed opportunity to close the gap, leaving them reliant on Arsenal dropping points.
  • Phil Foden has agreed a new four-year contract with City, though his playing time remains limited.
  • Arsenal's remaining fixtures are against teams in the bottom half of the table, making them strong favourites to secure the title.
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Arsenal on the brink of Premier League title after Man City's late draw at Everton — image 1Arsenal on the brink of Premier League title after Man City's late draw at Everton — image 2Arsenal on the brink of Premier League title after Man City's late draw at Everton — image 3Arsenal on the brink of Premier League title after Man City's late draw at Everton — image 4Arsenal on the brink of Premier League title after Man City's late draw at Everton — image 5Arsenal on the brink of Premier League title after Man City's late draw at Everton — image 6
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