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
This Sunday, May 19, one of the most exciting title races the Premier League has ever seen comes to an end.
Manchester City’s win over Tottenham on Tuesday means Pep Guardiola and Co are on course to claim their fourth consecutive league title, knowing that a win on Sunday will secure the trophy again.
Guardiola’s side meet out-of-form West Ham at the Etihad, while their title rivals take on Everton.
Arsenal will be lurking in the shadows, praying and hoping they can win at the Emirates and capitalize on a City misstep.
This is only the tenth time in the competition’s history that the title has been decided on the final day. It’s not the only thing teams will be playing for next Sunday, however, as European football places are on the horizon, as well as the final relegation position.
Here’s everything you need to know about the title race, European spots and the relegation battle.
Man City only needs a win against West Ham on Sunday to secure their fourth straight league title
However, Arsenal are not out of the race yet as a win for them and a loss or draw for City could see them lift the trophy
City helped their pursuit of four-in-a-row after their 2-0 win against Spurs on Tuesday
What does Manchester City need to win the title?
Pep Guardiola’s men just need to beat West Ham at the Etihad on Sunday for Manchester 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 record a win against Everton at the Etihad, regardless of whether they win, lose or draw.
Erling Haaland (left) scored twice to put City in control on the final day of the season
What does Arsenal need to win the league?
Unlike their title rivals, the Gunners’ fate is not in their own hands.
While Arteta’s men will need to get the job done and beat Everton on Sunday, they also need City to lose to West Ham to clinch the title.
Anything other than a win for Arsenal would see them hand the title to Manchester City.
Unless…
Arsenal could still claim their first titles in 20 years, but that’s out of their hands
Mikel Arteta’s men could lift the trophy if City lose or draw against West Ham and Arsenal beat Everton
Can the title be decided on goal difference?
Yes, this year’s compelling title race could go so far that goal difference comes into play.
For that scenario to happen, Arsenal would have to win against Everton, with City only managing a draw against West Ham.
This year’s champions could be decided on goal difference if Arsenal win and City draw 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 just one better than City’s.
Has the Premier League title ever been decided on goal difference?
Yes, the 2011/2012 Premier League title was decided on goal difference, as Manchester rivals City and United battled it out for the crown.
In case you forgot the outcome, let me remind you: Aguerooooo.
The last time the competition was decided on goal difference was during the 2011-2012 season
Who can still claim a European place?
While Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa have all consolidated their places in next year’s Champions League, there are still Europa League and Conference League spots up for grabs.
Although Spurs lost their chances of playing Champions League football next year after their 2-0 defeat against City.
The Lilywhites can secure a place in the top five before Sunday if Newcastle and Chelsea both lose their midweek matches on Wednesday, May 15.
However, if both teams manage to win their respective match on Wednesday, the race for Europe will continue until the final day.
A team not to be forgotten: Manchester United can also qualify for the Europa League even if they finish eighth, as they can gain entry into the competition by winning the FA Cup.
However, it will not be an easy task when Ten Hag’s men take on Manchester City. If the Red Devils lose the final, the Europa League spot will be awarded to seventh place.
Tottenham look most likely to finish in fifth place 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 race to secure European football
Manchester United can qualify for Europe if they win the FA Cup final against City
Who is eligible for Europe as it is now?
If Manchester United win the FA Cup final, this is what English teams in Europe will look like:
- 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 are:
- 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 of the three teams that will make their way to the championship next season have already been confirmed.
It looks like Luton will be the third and final team to be relegated this season
Burnley and Sheffield United have already been relegated and a win on Sunday would make no difference
Sheffield United and Burnley will play in the second level next season regardless of their result on Sunday.
The third and final relegation team looks like Luton Town as Kenilworth Road should win their last game against Fulham and hope a miracle can happen which would see Burnley beat Nottingham Forest 12-0 and erase a twelve goal difference.