Why Manchester City’s subdued win over Burnley may prove a misstep in nailbiting title race
It may be a familiar feeling for Arsenal, overhauled by Manchester City again in the run-in, just as they were three seasons ago.
After exactly 200 days at the summit, Arsenal have been knocked off it, if only until Saturday. For the first time since August, City are top. Burnley cemented the relegation that has been on the cards for them since August. City can time their surge to the top of the table to depress their rivals, and yet they did not have the air of an unstoppable juggernaut. They were separated from the demoted Clarets only by Erling Haaland’s 35th goal of the season and his second winner in four days.
This was City’s fifth consecutive victory but the least impressive of them. Their lack of ruthlessness could encourage Arsenal. They are now top on goals scored, but squandered a chance to go ahead on goal difference.
Liam Rosenior sacked by Chelsea three months into six-year contract
Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season, starting with Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds.
Man City stay silent on John Stones’ future amid summer exit rumours
Manchester City are remaining tight-lipped regarding the future of England defender John Stones, amid growing speculation that he is set to depart the club when his contract expires this summer.
The 31-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell since his 2016 move from Everton to the Etihad Stadium, accumulating an impressive haul that includes a Champions League title, two FA Cups, and six Premier League crowns.
Stones is hoping to secure a seventh league triumph with Pep Guardiola’s side before his anticipated exit.
Premier League fixtures this weekend
While City will be in FA Cup action this weekend – along with Chelsea and Leeds United – there is otherwise a near-full weekend of Premier League fixtures.
Eyes will mainly be on Arsenal as they look to keep their title challenge on track when they welcome Newcastle on Saturday.
Here’s the full list of what we can look forward to this weekend:
Friday, 24 April
Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest
Saturday, 25 April
Fulham vs Aston Villa – 12.30pm
West Ham vs Everton – 3pm
Wolves vs Tottenham – 3pm
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace – 3pm
Arsenal vs Newcastle – 5.30pm
Monday, 27 April
Man Utd vs Brentford – 8pm
Up next
Manchester City’s next game sees their attention turn to the FA Cup, with the Cityzens facing Southampton in the semi-finals on Saturday, 25 April before their next Premier League game comes on Monday, 4 May against Everton.
Burnley’s next game comes away to Leeds on Friday, 1 May.
Premier League title race: Do Arsenal or Man City have the easier run-in?
Pep Guardiola’s side beat Arsenal at the weekend to set up a fascinating last month of the title race, cutting the Gunners’ lead to just three points ahead of their trip to Turf Moor.
Walker: ‘What this club means to this town is incredible’
“What this club means to this town is incredible. You see a Burnley shirt whenever you drive into training, and it means a lot to them,” said Burnley defender Kyle Walker on Sky.
“From us to them, thank you for every bit of support this season, and hopefully we can do you proud come next season and get straight back into the big leagues, which is where I feel this club should be,” he added.
Haaland: ‘Just try to win’
“We had a lot of chances, but I’m happy we win and that’s the most important thing. Anything else, don’t think, just try to win,” said Erling Haaland at full-time.
“As I said, it’s all about winning, no matter how, we try to play our football and just try to win. That’s what you have to have in your mind, and now we focus on Saturday,” he added.
Remaining fixtures
Here’s how the remaining fixtures look for City and Arsenal then:
More from Guardiola
On the feeling of being top, Guardiola adds: “Five games, it’s the Premier League. Five games and now we have a semi-final on Saturday. Then we try to prepare the next games.
“It’s a big opportunity to play four finals in a row. Maybe we have to make some changes. At the end we were a little bit tired but we are ready.”
On when he can expect Rodri back, he says: “I don’t know yet. Day by day we see.”
