Arsenal chase City as Spurs keep on fighting

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Arsenal have the chance to reclaim top spot in the Premier League this weekend as the title race tightens, while Tottenham Hotspur remain locked in a battle to avoid relegation.

Arsenal are level on 70 points with Manchester City, with both sides holding an identical goal difference. City currently lead the standings on goals scored, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side with little margin for error in the final five matches.

The Gunners lost ground with a 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, allowing City to move ahead. However, Arsenal can respond immediately when they host Newcastle United, with City focused on their FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.

A win or draw would be enough to lift Arsenal back to the summit, at least temporarily, and keep pressure on the defending champions. With a favourable run-in on paper, the Gunners still have a clear path but must avoid further dropped points.

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At the other end of the table, Tottenham’s situation remains urgent. Spurs sit 18th, two points from safety, and travel to face already relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Under Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham have struggled to find consistency and remain without a league win since December. A late goal conceded in their recent draw with Brighton extended that run and left their position unchanged.

With only five games remaining, the margin for error is minimal. A victory at Wolves would offer a route back to safety, while another setback could leave their survival hopes hanging by a thread.

West Ham United, currently just above the drop zone, host Everton in another key fixture. Nottingham Forest, three points clear, travel to face Sunderland as the battle intensifies.

The race for Champions League places remains active, with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool well positioned. Brighton & Hove Albion continue to apply pressure after a 3-0 win over Chelsea, keeping themselves within reach of the top five.

With both ends of the table still undecided, the weekend’s fixtures could have a significant impact on the direction of the season.

– AFP

Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images

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Dylan Johnson