Premier League title race set for dramatic finale as Arsenal and Man City fight till the death

The 2023/24 Premier League (PL) title race has been exhilarating, as expected, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool still within touching distance of claiming the prestigious trophy.

The title fight is a nail-biter, with just a few points separating the top contenders.

All three have had to navigate a demanding April – a period where domestic and European competition begins to heat up, and the matches swarm relentlessly.

Read on as we look at how Liverpool, City, and Arsenal have fared in April and how the PL title race is shaping up.

Liverpool fall by the wayside in the title race

Liverpool saw their title ambitions fade into despair in April, along with hopes of giving manager Jurgen Klopp the perfect swansong.

The Reds kicked off the month with a 3-1 victory over Sheffield United, but over the following weeks, the team began to crumble under the hefty weight of their ambitions.

The Reds faced archrivals Manchester United and could only manage a 2-2 draw despite recording 28 shots compared to United’s nine.

United’s xG of 0.71 paled in comparison to Liverpool’s 3.59, but the Reds’ profligacy in front of goal spared their blushes. 

Falling a point adrift was already treacherous waters, but Crystal Palace compounded their misery at Anfield. 

The Reds were slow out of the blocks, and Eberechi Eze gave the Eagles the lead in the 13th minute. 

Liverpool fought back into the match and had several chances to turn the scoreline around, recording a 2.08 xG compared to Palace’s 1.67, but it was not to be, as Palace took a 1-0 win.

A 3-1 win over Fulham followed, boosting Liverpool’s spirits for the run-in, but a shocking collapse was on the horizon. 

First, Liverpool suffered a surprise defeat to Merseyside rivals Everton at Goodison Park for the first time in almost 14 years. 

The Reds then played out a 2-2 draw with West Ham United, falling five points behind a relentless Arsenal and four behind run-in specialists City. 

Klopp’s title hopes have evaporated, and they will now have to focus on finishing the season in the best way possible.

Fans can get their Liverpool tickets at Seatsnet.com to see how the rest of the season unfolds as the Reds prepare for a new post-Klopp era.

Arsenal show grit in title bid

Arsenal entered into April 2024 looking to banish recent memories of capitulation and they proved their mettle.

The Gunners first dispatched relegation-battling Luton Town 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium before making light work of Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.

Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard were on the score sheet as the Gunners claimed a 3-0 win. 

However, Arteta’s side saw their 11-match unbeaten run come to an abrupt end after a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at the Emirates.

The loss threatened to throw a wrench in the works, but Arsenal arrested the slump and immediately bounced back with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, keeping their title hopes alive.

They then secured back-to-back London derby victories to strengthen their grip on first place, dispatching Chelsea 5-0 before scraping past Tottenham Hotspur 3-2.

Arsenal currently top the PL table (80 points) but are closely followed by Manchester City (79), who have a game in hand. 

The Gunners face Bournemouth, Manchester United and Everton in their last three games of the season.

They will be desperate to claim maximum points while hoping City slip up in one of their remaining matches as they bid to end their 21-year wait for a league title.

Run-in specialists out to clinch an unprecedented fourth consecutive title

Pep Guardiola is looking to become the first manager to win the PL title in four consecutive seasons. His experienced side has the battle-wits and tactical know-how to navigate this period.

In fact, they have made it a habit of baring their fangs this period, going on ruthless runs that usually culminate in glory.

The Cityzens have put themselves in cruise control of their destiny by securing four wins from four league games during the month. 

Phil Foden was the star of the show as they dismantled Villa. The Englishman bagged a hat-trick to down Unai Emery’s charges. 

They took on a tricky Palace side resurgent under new boss Oliver Glasner and dispatched them accordingly. Kevin De Bruyne bagged a brace in the 4-2 win, Rico Lewis and Erling Braut Haaland also scored. 

Luton rolled into town trying to claim a massive scalp but were subjected to a 5-1 thrashing. The Cityzens then made light work of Brighton at the Amex Stadium, running out 4-0 winners.

City ran through April unbothered until they faced Nottingham Forest days ago. Chris Wood missed chances to spoil Guardiola’s party, allowing Josko Gvardiol and Haaland to score as City claimed a 2-0 win.

City control the title race, and four wins from their next four games can ensure the trophy does not leave Manchester.

However, it will not be smooth sailing for the PL champions, who have some tricky fixtures in the coming weeks. First, they welcome Wolves to the Etihad this weekend before facing Fulham.

A trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium comes next, and it has not been a favourable hunting ground. Tottenham have won three of their last five league encounters against City.

Spurs claimed a memorable 1-0 victory against City last season in north London and will be looking to repeat the trick, even though it could potentially help fierce rivals Arsenal end their title drought.

City’s last game of the season is against West Ham United, and if they can secure a perfect winning run until the end, they can add another feather to their illustrious cap.

A dramatic finale awaits

The Premier League title race has entered its final stretch, and the tension is palpable. 

Liverpool were once firmly in the mix but now find themselves relegated to the role of spectators in their own demise. April was their undoing as they stumbled and faltered at crucial moments. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal, haunted by memories of past failures, have risen to the challenge with resolve. They have weathered storms, overcoming setbacks with characteristic resilience. 

Their relentless pursuit of glory has propelled them to the summit of the league table, but they know that the ultimate test still lies ahead.

And then there is City, who remain determined to defend their crown yet again. Guardiola’s side navigated April with aplomb, dispatching opponents with ruthless efficiency. 

With the title within touching distance, they stand on the brink of history, poised to etch their names into PL folklore.

As the season hurtles towards its end, the stakes have never been higher. In a race where every moment counts, the stage is set for a memorable grand finale that fans will never forget.