Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has one hand on the title. (Image: PA)
It will be a nerve-shredding final few matches of the 2025/26 campaign for both Arsenal and Manchester City, with the Premier League title set to go right down to the wire. The Gunners claimed three crucial points courtesy of a 1-0 victory over West Ham, following a dramatic late VAR intervention.
City’s 3-0 triumph over Brentford on Saturday afternoon narrowed the deficit on Arsenal at the summit to just two points, with the Gunners holding a superior goal difference of just a single goal. Arsenal were looking to respond when they faced West Ham at the London Stadium barely 24 hours later. Mikel Arteta’s side were stifled by the Hammers, who are battling against relegation.
Moving into the dying stages of the match, Arsenal had David Raya to thank for preserving parity after he denied Mateus Fernandez. That intervention proved even more crucial when Leandro Trossard netted a vital goal in the 83rd minute.
Drama continued right until the final whistle, when West Ham believed they had snatched an equaliser deep into stoppage time. However, a VAR review determined that Raya had been fouled in the build-up, with the goal chalked off.
The victory extended Arsenal’s advantage over their rivals to five points, ahead of City’s match in hand this week. It ensures that their destiny remains firmly in their own hands. There may yet be several more twists and turns in the race as the season’s conclusion draws ever nearer. With that in mind, here’s an examination of what lies in store for both sides.
Vs Burnley (H) – Mon, May 18 (8pm)
Vs Crystal Palace (A) – Sun, May 24 (4pm)
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Arsenal are title favourites with just a few games to go. (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal would expect victory over Burnley at the Emirates, with the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship already sealed.
A fixture at Selhurst Park is never straightforward, but Arsenal could benefit from the Eagles’ advancement to the UEFA Conference League final. That encounter takes place just days following the meeting with Arsenal, meaning Palace might rotate their squad with European silverware in their sights.
Vs Crystal Palace (H) – Wed, May 13 (8pm)
Vs Bournemouth (A) – Tues, May 19 (7.30pm)
Vs Aston Villa (H) – Sun, May 24 (4pm)
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City’s game in hand is in just a few days as they welcome Palace, a fixture where Guardiola’s men would hope to collect all three points at home. The greatest challenge likely comes on the away trip to Bournemouth, who themselves are pursuing European football next season.
Similar to Arsenal, City encounter a side in a European final on the final day of the campaign, but Villa’s showpiece arrives before the fixture at the Etihad.