Title race permutations: Man City officially go above Arsenal but margins are finer than ever

The Premier League title race has officially taken its biggest turn of the season with Manchester City going top of the table.

Arsenal had spent 209 days at the top of the table this term, completely dominating the top-flight all campaign.

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Compare that to Man City, they’d only been top for six days, showing just how clear the Gunners have been of their rivals.

However, despite those stunning stats, it’s Pep Guardiola‘s side who will now believe they’re favourites to win the title, following a pivotal 2-1 victory over their bitter rivals last weekend.

That win put them three points off Arsenal, but City crucially had a game in hand and a better goal difference than the Gunners.

Burnley 0-1 Man City

Erling Haaland’s early strike at Turf Moor was all that separated City and the Clarets at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

The 1-0 win for City confirms Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League and also sees Guardiola’s men tighten their grip on the title race.

That’s because City are now top of the Premier League.

City are level on points with Arsenal with 70 and also have a joint goal difference of +37.

However, City are top on goals scored having netted 66 times in the league to Arsenal’s 63.

The final five games will be a straight shootout.

Premier League title race permutations

City know that five wins in their final five games would likely be enough to win the title.

However, Arsenal would still have a chance to regain top spot on goal difference if they win every game, but pull off better results.

City may feel irked they didn’t score more against the lowly Burnley given how tight it is between them and Arsenal on goals scored.

One slip-up from either team would make things interesting though, with there still being potential for more late drama.

City have tough clashes against Brentford, Bournemouth and Aston Villa to come, while the Gunners arguably have ideal fixtures.

A loss from either side would allow the other to move clear should they win or draw their game on the same weekend

AFP

AFP

Premier League title odds: talkSPORT BET

• Man City – 4/7
• Arsenal – 5/4

Visit talkSPORT BET for all football betting odds.

*odds correct as of 22/04/26. 18+ gambleaware.org