The second-to-last week of EPL matches has just ended, and despite completing 37 rounds of matches, we still do not have a decisive champion yet.
It is no surprise that Manchester City were the favorites since the beginning of the season to lift the coveted trophy, but obstacles came along the way, such is the tricky nature of the English league. Liverpool made their way into the race, but due to injuries, unfortunately, this Premier League season became a two-horse race in the last month of May.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side has had a great season with stumbles here and there. Back in April, they were leading in the points table with destiny in their own hands. Their next opponent at that time was Aston Villa at home. Arsenal were favorites to win that game, but from the body language of the players, it looked as though the pressure was starting to creep in, and they ended up losing 2-0 from two beautifully crafted goals from Villa on the 14th of April. Despite the loss, they got back to winning ways, and in their most recent match, they beat Manchester United 1-0 with a goal from Trossard in the 20th minute after pressurizing the Manchester United goalkeeper to make a risky pass, which got intercepted, and the United back line could not react in time. Arsenal’s defense was compact throughout the game and was easily able to sniff out any chance of a United comeback. This win came at Old Trafford, a ground based on recent history, Arsenal always found difficult to get results.
Today, Manchester City played cool and calm versus Tottenham Hotspur and secured a 2-0 win over the Spurs, also being awarded a penalty. Both the goals were scored by none other than Haaland in the 51st minute of the match and the 90th minute on a penalty. Haaland, who is about to win back-to-back golden boots this season due to his superior form. Both teams shared much of the possession, but City handled the ball in a tactical fashion to outfox Tottenham’s gameplan. They took the game to Spurs when the pressure was on them to get a goal, but at the same time managed the game after they established their lead. The match became intense as Manchester City’s star player De Bruyne and goalkeeper Ederson were substituted. This gave Tottenham an edge, and their star player Son went one-on-one with Ortega after a direct mistake from Akanji, only for the City keeper to make a tremendous save during the 71st minute of the match. It just goes to show how fine the margins are and how important it is for the players to not lose focus even for a split second.
As the table stands, Manchester City are two points clear of Arsenal, with Arsenal having a +1 goal difference. This Sunday is the final round of Premier League games, which started all the way back in August. There are three ways it can go. If West Ham were to upset City in their own backyard and Arsenal win vs Everton, the title will be Arsenal’s. On the other side, if City draw against West Ham, Arsenal can still win the league on goal difference if they beat Everton. Then comes the third and most crucial way this season goes, which is Manchester City winning and getting an unprecedented fourth Premier League trophy in a row.
It is now in the hands of the final week of matches on Sunday to see if Mikel Arteta’s side can slide past Manchester City to win the league or if Manchester City will add another to their trophy cabinet.
