Arsenal travel to Manchester City on Sunday to complete a rare double over Pep Guardiola’s men in a match that could be decisive in the Premier League’s treble title race. Liverpool can move three points ahead of current leaders Arsenal and four points ahead of City if they beat Brighton at Anfield earlier in the day. At the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest are in action for the first time since a four-point penalty for breaching financial rules plunged them into the relegation zone.
AFP Sport looks at three talking points as the English top flight returns after the international break.
Can Arsenal storm Man City’s fortress?
Arsenal became only the fourth team to win each of their first eight Premier League games of a calendar year when they defeated Brentford in early March; the three previous clubs to do so all won the title.
The Gunners’ record against City in the Premier League is poor, with 12 defeats in their last 13 games, although their only win came at the Emirates Stadium in October thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected goal.
“It feels like a big win,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “It’s a special one.”
Arteta’s men appear a more battle-hardened force than last year, when they stumbled at the end of the season, leaving the door open for City to cruise past to a third straight title.
Repeating this feat at the Etihad is of a different order of magnitude.
City are unbeaten in their last 38 home games in all competitions. Brentford were the last visiting team to leave with a win and that was in November 2022.
If Arsenal manage to complete their first league double against City since 2007/08, it could be the boost they need to get them over the line.
Liverpool is concentrating on the competition
Liverpool’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United ended their bid to quadruple the trophy in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.
The German manager, who has kept his team on track despite a deep injury crisis, has dismissed any idea of a negative psychological impact after the 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford.
“Overall, the team is in an excellent situation at the moment,” he said. “The fact that we have been able to get through all these different, difficult situations is absolutely exceptional.”
Liverpool are behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference and hope that the Gunners and City can eliminate each other in Manchester.
Brighton have drawn their last two games at Anfield, but they have not won consecutive league games since September and Liverpool will be confident they have the firepower to win as the injury crisis eases.
Bos looks for lift after points penalty
Nottingham Forest’s draw against Luton on March 16 left them three points clear of the relegation zone, but they are now looking up to Rob Edwards’ team following their punishment for breaching the Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules.
Forest have appealed the sanction as they prepare to host Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Forest are the second top team to be penalized for PSR offenses this season, after Everton were handed a 10-point penalty in November, which was reduced to six on appeal.
The penalties create an atmosphere of uncertainty in the Premier League basement, adding to the normal pressure of a relegation battle.
Everton, four points above Forest, could face further punishment after being charged with a second breach of the rules.
Forest are in deep trouble in only their second season in the top flight, but they can take heart that all the sides around them are also struggling.
Fixtures
Saturday (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)
Newcastle v West Ham (1230), Bournemouth v Everton, Chelsea v Burnley, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Sheffield United v Fulham, Tottenham v Luton, Aston Villa v Wolves (1730), Brentford v Manchester United (2000)
Sunday
Liverpool v Brighton (1300), Manchester City v Arsenal (1530)
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