Premier League permutations: What Arsenal need to take title away from Man City, who is poised for European football and the relegation battle as the final day of the season looms
One of the tightest title races the Premier League has ever seen will come to an end this Sunday, May 19.
Manchester City‘s win at Tottenham on Tuesday means Pep Guardiola and Co are on track to claim their fourth consecutive league title, knowing a win on Sunday will secure the trophy once again.
Guardiola’s side meet out of form West Ham at the Etihad, whilst their title rivals face Everton.
Arsenal will be lurking in the shadows praying and hoping that they can win at the Emirates and capitalise on a City slip-up.
This is only the 10th time in the league’s history that the title will be decided on the last day. However, it is not the only thing teams will be playing for come Sunday as spots for European football are up grabs, as well as the final relegation position.
Here is all you need know relating to the title race, European spots and the relegation battle.
Man City only need a win this Sunday against West Ham to secure their fourth consecutive league title
Arsenal are not out of the race however as win for them and a loss or draw for City could see them lift the trophy
City aided their hunt for four-in-a-row after their 2-0 victory against Spurs on Tuesday
What do Manchester City need to win title?
Pep Guardiola’s men simply just have to beat West Ham at the Etihad on Sunday for the Manchester side to become the first team in English football history to win four consecutive top-flight titles.
They will also claim the title if Arsenal fail to register a win against Everton at the Etihad, regardless of whether they win, lose or draw.
Erling Haaland (left) scored twice to put City in the driving seat on the last day of the season
What do Arsenal need to win the league?
Unlike their title rivals, the Gunners’ fate does not lie in their own hands.
Although Arteta’s men will need to get the job done on Sunday and beat Everton, they also need City to lose against West Ham for the title to be theirs.
Anything other than a win for Arsenal would see them hand the title over to Manchester City.
Unless…
Arsenal could still claim their first titles in 20 years but it is out of their hands
Mikel Arteta’s men could lift the trophy if City lose or draw against West Ham and Arsenal beat Everton
Could the title be decided on goal difference?
Yes, this year’s riveting title race could go so down to the wire, that goal difference may come into play.
For that scenario to unfold, Arsenal would have to win against Everton, with City only managing a draw from their game against West Ham.
This year’s champions could be decided on goal difference if Arsenal win and City draw their games on the final day of the season
Who has the better goal difference?
Heading into the final game of the season Arsenal’s goal difference is currently only one better than City’s.
Has the Premier League title ever been decided on goal difference?
Yes, the 2011/12 Premier League title was decided on goal difference as Manchester rivals City and United battled it out to claim the crown.
In case you forgot the outcome, let me remind you – Aguerooooo.
The last time the league was decided on goal difference was during the 2011-12 season
Who can still claim a European spot?
Although Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa have all solidified their spot in the Champions League for next year, spots for next year’s Europa League and Conference League are still up for grabs.
Although Spurs squandered their chances of playing Champions League football next year after their 2-0 defeat against City.
The Lilywhites can still secure a top-five finish before Sunday if Newcastle and Chelsea both lose their midweek games on Wednesday, May 15.
However, if both teams manage to win their respective game on Wednesday, the race for Europe will carry on into the final day.
A team not to be forgotten – Manchester United can also qualify for the Europa League even if they manage to finish eighth as they can gain entry to the competition by winning the FA Cup.
It will be no easy task though as Ten Hag’s men come up against Manchester City. If the Red Devils lose the final, the Europa League spot will be handed out to seventh position.
Tottenham are looking the most likely to finish in 5th despite losing 2-0 to Man City
Newcastle are also on course to finish in a European position on Sunday
Pochettino’s Chelsea are also in the final day race to secure European football
Manchester United can qualify for Europe if they win their FA Cup final clash against City
Who will qualify for Europe as it stands?
If Manchester United win the FA Cup final, English teams in Europe will look as follows:
- Champions League: (1st) Man City, (2nd) Arsenal, (3rd) Liverpool, (4th) Aston Villa
- Europa League: (5th) Tottenham, Man Utd (as FA Cup winners)
- UEFA Conference League: (6th) Newcastle
If Manchester United lose the FA Cup final, the English teams playing in Europe next year will be:
- Champions League: (1st) Man City, (2nd) Arsenal, (3rd) Liverpool, (4th) Aston Villa
- Europa League: (5th) Tottenham, (6th) Newcastle
- UEFA Conference League: (7th) Chelsea
Who will be relegated?
Two out of the three teams who will be making their way down to the Championship next season have already been confirmed.
Luton are looking like they will be the third and final team to be relegated this seaon
Burnley and Sheffield United have already been relegated and a win on Sunday would make no difference
Sheffield United and Burnley will be playing second-tier football next season regardless of their result on Sunday.
The third and final relegation team is looking like Luton Town as the Kenilworth Road side would need to win their final game against Fulham and hope that a miracle can happen which would see Burnley beat Nottingham Forest 12-0 to overturn a 12 goal difference.
