The 2025/26 Premier League season is reaching its climax, with Arsenal and Manchester City locked in a tight title battle. Arsenal currently lead the standings with 79 points, two ahead of City who have 77 points, and both teams have only two matches remaining.
Arsenal's Path to the Title
Mikel Arteta's side are in control of their own destiny. They face Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, May 18, and then travel to Crystal Palace on the final day, May 24. If Arsenal win both matches, they will be champions regardless of City's results.
The earliest Arsenal could clinch the title is Monday night. If they beat Burnley and Manchester City fail to defeat Bournemouth on Tuesday, the Gunners would be crowned champions immediately. However, if both teams win their respective matches, the title race will go down to the final day.
Manchester City's Hopes
Pep Guardiola's team must win their remaining games against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, and hope Arsenal slip up. If Arsenal lose or draw one of their matches, City can capitalise. Guardiola acknowledged the challenge, noting Bournemouth's strong form under Andoni Iraola, who have gone 17 league games unbeaten.
“We know exactly what we have to do. It’s not complicated, we have to win and then against Aston Villa,” Guardiola said. “All we want is to be with our people at the end and try to fight for the title and extend it to Aston Villa. To do that, we need to beat Bournemouth.”
Final Day Scenarios
If Arsenal win both matches, they will lift the trophy at Selhurst Park on May 24. If they drop points, City could snatch the title with wins over Bournemouth and Villa. The title race remains finely poised, with Arsenal holding the advantage but City ready to pounce on any mistake.
