For much of the 2022/23 Premier League season, it’s been a two-horse race between reigning champions Manchester City and surprise challengers Arsenal.
The Gunners came out of the gate hot, winning their first five league games, and they’ve gone on to win a league-high 22 of their first 28 matches played. That’s better than the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ team did in their memorable 2003/04 season.
Meanwhile, Man City didn’t start so strong, drawing with Newcastle United and Aston Villa early on, to leave them playing catch up.
The Citizens momentarily took the top spot after defeating Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates in their first league showdown on February 15, only to drop points against Nottingham Forest in the very next game.
Both teams have been far from perfect this season, but have been more consistent than the rest of the competition to leave them vying for the title.
With little margin for error as we head into the home straight, a final game between the duo this season will likely determine who is crowned Premier League champion at season’s end.
MORE: How many times have Arsenal been English champions?
When is Man City vs Arsenal?
Manchester City will host Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday, April 26.
The match at the Etihad will kick off at 8 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET).
After that match, both sides will only have five Premier League fixtures to play before the end of the season, making this clash pivotal.
The most wins @Arsenal have ever had in their first 28 matches of a #PL campaign 👏 pic.twitter.com/JF354yON5M
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 20, 2023
Man City vs Arsenal history head-to-head
These two sides have already faced off twice this season with Manchester City winning both matches earlier this year.
Their first encounter in late January 2023 saw Pep Guardiola’s side beat the Gunners 1-0 in the FA Cup fourth round (Round of 32), courtesy of a Nathan Ake winner at the Etihad.
Less than three weeks later, Arsenal hosted Man City in Premier League action and were beaten 3-1 at the Emirates. Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka pulled Mikel Arteta’s men level from the penalty spot. City would go ahead once again through Jack Grealish in the second half before Erling Haaland sealed the win late on.
Man City have notably won their past seven straight games against the Gunners and claimed victory in all but one of their last 15 against them.
Arsenal’s last victory against Man City dates back to July 18, 2020 when they claimed a 2-0 win in the FA Cup courtesy of a double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
All of the highlights from our huge win against Arsenal! 😍 pic.twitter.com/0ZtDndq7gj
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 16, 2023
Will Man City vs Arsenal decide Premier League title?
As far as title-deciding matches go, this one certainly has all the makings of a match that can tip the balance of the title race.
While both teams will have five more league games to play after it, an Arsenal win would give them a massive edge in their quest to become champions. And even a road draw would prove a decisive result to preserve their lead at the top, if the Gunners are still there at that point.
Arsenal do have tricky matches against Chelsea and Newcastle immediately after the City game, so any slip-up could prove costly.
Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, have a slightly kinder run-in as they face Fulham and Leeds in the aftermath – matches they’d expect to win comfortably.
While Man City vs Arsenal may not decide the title come full-time, but it will indicate one way or another, which club is more likely to be crowned champion come the season finale on Sunday, May 28.
MORE: Updated Premier League table and standings
| Matchweek | Arsenal fixtures | Man City fixtures |
| 33 | Apr. 26 at Man City | Apr. 26 vs. Arsenal |
| 34 | Apr. 29 vs. Chelsea | Apr. 29 at Fulham |
| 35 | May 6 at Newcastle | May 6 vs. Leeds United |
| 36 | May 13 vs. Brighton | May 13 at Everton |
| 37 | May 20 at Nott. Forest | May 20 vs. Chelsea |
| 38 | May 28 vs. Wolves | May 28 at Brentford |
Published at Thu, 23 Mar 2023 07:13:36 +0000
