Arsenal set to face Manchester City Premier League Summit Meeting
Arsenal set to face Manchester City on Sunday, aiming to achieve a rare double over Pep Guardiola’s team in a pivotal match that could influence the three-way Premier League title race.
Meanwhile, Liverpool has the opportunity to move three points ahead of current leaders Arsenal and four points clear of City if they defeat Brighton at Anfield earlier in the day. On the other hand, Nottingham Forest takes to the field for the first time since receiving a four-point penalty for breaching financial regulations, which has pushed them into the relegation zone.
Can Arsenal storm Man City fortress?
Arsenal joined an elite group as only the fourth team to secure victories in each of their first eight Premier League matches of a calendar year, achieved with a win against Brentford in early March. Interestingly, the previous three clubs to accomplish this feat all went on to win the title.
Despite Arsenal’s less-than-ideal record against City in the Premier League, suffering 12 defeats in their last 13 encounters, they managed a lone victory at the Emirates in October, courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected strike.
“It feels like a big win,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “It is a special one.”
Arteta’s team appears to be more resilient and battle-ready compared to last year, when they faltered towards the end of the season, allowing City to comfortably clinch their third consecutive title.
However, replicating such success at the Etihad Stadium presents a significantly greater challenge. City boasts an impressive unbeaten streak of 38 home games across all competitions. The last visiting team to secure a victory was Brentford, back in November 2022.
Should Arsenal achieve the rare feat of securing their first league double over City since 2007/08, it could provide the momentum they need to propel them towards their objectives.
Liverpool focus on league
Liverpool’s elimination from the FA Cup by Manchester United halted their pursuit of a trophy quadruple in Jurgen Klopp’s last season at Anfield.
Despite facing a significant injury crisis, the German manager has managed to keep his team focused. Klopp dismissed any suggestion of a negative psychological effect following their 4-3 loss at Old Trafford.
“In general, the team is in an outstanding situation in the moment,” he said. “That we got through all of these different, difficult situations is absolutely exceptional.”
Liverpool is currently level with league leaders Arsenal on goal difference and will be banking on Arsenal and City to neutralize each other’s strengths in Manchester.
While Brighton has managed to secure draws in their previous two encounters at Anfield, they haven’t achieved back-to-back league victories since September. Liverpool will be optimistic about their chances as their injury situation improves, believing they possess the attacking prowess needed to secure a win.
Forest seek lift after points penalty
Following their draw against Luton on March 16, Nottingham Forest found themselves three points clear of the relegation zone. However, they are now gazing upwards at Rob Edwards’ team following their penalty for breaching profit and sustainability (PSR) regulations.
Forest have lodged an appeal against the sanction as they prepare to host Crystal Palace on Saturday. They become the second top-flight team this season to face penalties for PSR violations, following Everton’s 10-point deduction in November, later reduced to six upon appeal.
These penalties are adding to the uncertainty prevailing at the lower end of the Premier League, intensifying the usual pressures of the relegation battle. Everton, currently four points ahead of Forest, may face further consequences after being charged with a second PSR breach.
Forest find themselves in a precarious position in just their second season back in the top flight. However, they can draw some encouragement from the struggles of the teams around them.
Fixtures
Saturday (1500 GMT unless stated)
Newcastle v West Ham (1230), Bournemouth v Everton, Chelsea v Burnley, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Sheffield United v Fulham, Tottenham v Luton, Aston Villa v Wolves (1730), Brentford v Manchester United (2000)
Sunday
Liverpool v Brighton (1300), Manchester City v Arsenal (1530)