Premier League Title Race Reaches Decisive Stage
The 2025/26 Premier League season is entering its final phase, with the championship set to be decided within the next 12 days. Arsenal currently lead the table with 79 points, five points ahead of Manchester City, who have 74 points but hold a game in hand. Both teams remain hopeful of lifting the trophy, though Arsenal control their own destiny: winning their remaining two matches guarantees the title. City, however, are relying on an Arsenal slip-up to seize the opportunity.
Arsenal's Remaining Fixtures
Arsenal will stay in London for their final two league games. They host Burnley at the Emirates Stadium before traveling to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on the last day. The Gunners won both first-leg encounters: 2-0 away to Burnley and 1-0 at home to Palace. Repeating those results would secure the title for Mikel Arteta's side. Arsenal also have the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30 in Budapest, which could influence squad rotation.
Manchester City's Remaining Fixtures
City have three matches left, starting with their outstanding fixture against Crystal Palace on May 13. They then face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on May 16, which pushes their trip to Bournemouth to May 19. The season concludes at home against Aston Villa. City beat Palace 3-0 in the first leg and will aim to close the gap to two points. Bournemouth, who beat Arsenal 2-1 earlier, are chasing Champions League qualification and pose a threat. Aston Villa, also vying for a top-four spot, won the first leg 1-0 against City.
Guardiola Promises Rotation
Pep Guardiola confirmed after the 3-0 win over Brentford that he will rotate his squad for the remaining games to keep players fresh for the FA Cup final. He stated, "I'm going to rotate the team otherwise, we cannot arrive at the final or Bournemouth how we want to."
How City Can Win the Title
Manchester City can still win the league despite the five-point deficit due to their game in hand. However, they need Arsenal to drop points in at least one of their final two matches. If Arsenal win both, the title stays in north London.
