The Premier League title race is set to go to the wire as Arsenal battle Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table.
Arsenal are currently top on goal difference ahead of Liverpool, and are just one point ahead of Man City in what is one of the closest three-way races ever seen at this stage of the season.
Mikel Arteta’s side will travel to face Man City at the Etihad Stadium after the International break, in a game which could go a long way to deciding where the title ends up at the end of the campaign.
Arsenal led the way for most of last season before a late collapse, and whilst they have been bubbling under their competitors for the last few months, a draw between Liverpool and Man City allowed them to take the initiative, and this could be crucial.
Ben Jacobs explains importance of Arsenal taking initiative in title race
Speaking to Caught Offside, journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that if Arsenal are to go on to win the league, they cannot afford to lose their initiative in the table, and need to retain their place at the top for as long as possible.
“I think for Arsenal, the most important thing if they are to win the Premier League is that they are front runners,” he stated.
“If we get to a point between game twenty-eight which is now and game thirty-two, when Manchester City are top and clear, then I think that there will be no looking back, so it’s really important for Arsenal and Liverpool that they are front runners.
“I think if Manchester City sneak ahead, and that may happen in the next run of fixtures, at that point and at this stage of the season I’d be very surprised if they throw it away.”
Arsenal cannot fall behind Manchester City in title race
The game at the Etihad comes with extra importance, given the positions of both teams in the table.
Man City have won the last three titles in a row, and are experts at both chasing down leads, as well as holding onto them.
Arsenal need to put as much distance between the two sides as possible, and only a win in Manchester would do that. A draw would mean both are in the same position, but City will have the advantage of experience to help carry them over the line, and a defeat would see Arsenal fall behind City.
If Pep Guardiola’s side do go top, it may take a miracle to oust them from the position, and Arsenal will therefore face more pressure in the upcoming game than the hosts.