TThe Premier League is on fire. Manchester City’s victory (2-1) in Sunday’s head-to-head clash with Arsenal for the title has moved England’s championship race closer than ever. Pep Guardiola’s side are three points ahead of the Gunners ahead of their game against Crystal Palace, and goal difference could be the decisive factor in determining the future champions.
In the English Championship, if the points are tied, the tie-break is determined by goal difference, rather than a head-to-head match like in the Spanish league. In other words, the difference between goals scored and conceded on the final day of the championship could be decisive.
Pep Guardiola’s reaction as Cherki shows off his skills says it all
Arteta’s victory at the Etihad means Guardiola’s City have a goal difference of +36, while the Gunners have a +37 goal difference. In other words, if City narrowly win the match against Crystal Palace, a technical draw will become a reality. However, with only five games remaining, it seems unlikely that the two teams will have the same goal difference.
Guardiola’s side have three home games and three away games ahead. The Citizens will start with back-to-back away trips to Burnley and Everton, followed by a game against Brentford in Manchester, a trip to Bournemouth and their final two home games, which have been postponed, against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
The only precedent in favor of the City
At least on paper, Arsenal’s schedule looks a little more open. They have five games ahead of them, three at home and two away from the Emirates. They will first face Newcastle and Fulham at home, then West Ham and Burnley at home, and the final game will be away to Crystal Palace. However, between the first three games there is a tough Champions League semi-final that could end up dealing a big blow to Arteta’s side.
Oddly enough, the only time in the history of the Premier League (since 1992) the championship was decided on goal difference was in 2011-12, when Manchester City won, beating eternal rivals United with a +64 goal difference, while the Red Devils won with a +56 goal difference, with both teams finishing with 89 points. Aguero’s goal won the Premier League title with Pellegrini on the bench for the Sky Blues.
There are five games (six in City’s case) remaining, and the two teams are neck-and-neck to the last minute. “This is effectively a new league, a new Premier League,” Arteta said at the end of the match. Will one goal ever decide the championship?
