Joe Hart tells Mikel Arteta that Manchester City will triumph in the title race again – because they have more proven winners

He can be forgiven for allowing his Hart to rule his head, after winning one of the most romantic Premier League title races of all time. But despite his emotional devotion to Manchester City, Joe Hart still believes logic suggests his former club will pip Arsenal to become champions of England once again this season.

Hart was an integral part of the most astonishing climax to a domestic season back in 2012. The goalkeeper had a front row seat to watch Sergio Aguero score that iconic goal in stoppage to see City beat QPR 3-2 at the Etihad and win the title ahead of bitter rivals Manchester United on goal difference.

Hart wheeled away in disbelief with tears in his eyes, as it began to down on him City had won their first league title in 44 years. The astonishing experience means Hart has a lifelong connection to City, where he won five major trophies.

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But while he admits this is part of the reason he wants them to win the Premier League this time round, Hart also reckons it will happen because Pep Guardiola has more proven winners in his team. City and Arsenal have been locked in a thrilling battle for the English crown in recent months, that promises to go down to the wire.

Former England star Hart now works as a pundit for TNT Sports, who will be broadcasting all of this week’s fixtures on TNT Sports and discovery+. And he reckons the outcome will be the same as it was 14 years ago.

He said: “I think Manchester City will win it. And I want them to win it. That’s my team, I don’t care. That’s who I want to win it. This team, the current starting XI, it’s not 100 per cent full of those tried and tested, but it does have internationals and some of those who have won the lot.

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“It’s not that much of a given, like it would have been two or three seasons ago, but that’s life. Cycles happen and I think, when I look at City and where they are at, in terms of the (Antoine) Semenyo and (Marc) Guehi signings, they have been incredible.

“A brilliant January boost for a team that wasn’t sure how things might pan out. They’ve put themselves in an unbelievable position. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. They’ve won a few scrappy games, which is key, but I’m sure they’ll want to catch fire and start brushing people aside soon.”

Both Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are under huge pressure, for very different reasons. Guardiola endured his worst campaign as a manger last season, when he failed to win a single trophy.

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While Arsenal manager Arteta has won just one piece of silverware since taking charge at the Emirates in 2019. Throw in the fact both teams can still win a historical quadruple – and the expectations are immense. But Hart reckons both bosses wouldn’t want it any other way.

He added: “Both managers are their own driving forces. Both will be putting themselves under immense pressure, so no-one gets the luxury of not being under it.

“It’s the life they live at the top of the game. I don’t know either of them that well, but they look like they never want to live in a world where there is never any pressure.”

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Manchester City and Arsenal face season-defining fixtures over the next few weeks as they build towards the Carabao Cup final

Manchester City and Arsenal go head to head on Wednesday night in what could be one of the final times the two teams kick off in the Premier League at the same time on the same day.

The pair are both in action on Wednesday evening with City hosting Nottingham Forest and Arsenal on the road at Brighton. Both games are 7.30pm kick offs and kickstart a huge period for the two title challengers across four competitions.

The pair conclude March by facing off in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on March 22 and before then have FA Cup fifth round ties and Champions League last-16 matches. The next few weeks will define seasons and shape the final weeks of the campaign.

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City have certainly got the tougher fixtures – Newcastle United away in the FA Cup is a significantly stiffer test than League One side Mansfield – while Real Madrid might not the force of old but still possess the European pedigree and world class superstars that Arsenal’s Champions League opponents Bayer Leverkusen don’t.

Guardiola knows the challenge facing his side against the La Liga giants, and after the weekend win over Leeds United, took aim at the schedule with the cup tie at Newcastle taking place at 8pm on a Saturday ahead of the trip to Spain next Wednesday.

“We have three days (until Nottingham Forest)”, said Guardiola. “And then after in the FA Cup, thank you so much for letting us play at 8pm instead of 3pm so we have less recover to play Real Madrid,” said Guardiola.

“So again thank you so much. This is what you have to live [with], but you have to deal with that.”

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Guardiola’s gripe is and often has been that English football doesn’t do enough to help Premier League sides competing in European competitions. And while the late night Saturday start at St James’ is not ideal, it does offer three clear days between matches, something Guardiola has called for in the past.

Indeed City’s fixture list is very similar to Arsenal’s over the coming weeks. The two teams play their six March fixtures on the same day as each other and so have similar recovery times.

The Gunners trip to Mansfield in the FA Cup is a 12.45pm start but their Champions League tie in Germany against Leverkusen is an earlier kick off with the match getting under way at 5.45pm next Wednesday. That does give Mikel Arteta’s side a few extra hours in between games while the cup trip to a third tier opponent offers greater chance to rest and rotate and still progress to the quarter-finals.

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Arsenal then play Everton in an early evening game before hosting Leverkusen in the Champions League return at 8pm, again an extra recovery period of a few hours ahead of a European fixture.

Guardiola’s complaint is a general one rather than comparing City to Arsenal, but the Gunners will get eight extra hours off compared to the Blues before their respective last-16 Champions League fixtures.

It’s a small point but in a season of fine margins is still worth noting. City know the next few weeks is kinder to Arsenal in terms of scheduling and cup draw opposition, but as Guardiola noted last week: “As much as you play with the big teams, you’re a better team.”

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Manchester City face Arsenal next month in what looks set to be a Premier League title-deciding clash, and further details on the showdown are due imminently

The Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester City in mid-April is set to play a huge role in deciding the title race.

The Gunners restored their five-point gap at the top by beating Chelsea on Sunday, but Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand and also welcome their rivals to Etihad Stadium.

Though that meeting is only next month, both teams have six fixtures to contest across three different competitions before then. Three of those are in the Premier League with Arsenal taking on Brighton, Everton and Bournemouth while City face Nottingham Forest, West Ham United and Chelsea.

The Carabao Cup final between the two and Champions League last-16 fixtures are the other huge games to come. While the Wembley showpiece could hand one team a psychological advantage in the title race, it is the European knockouts which have a direct impact on their league clash.

Though the Premier League are yet to announce the TV selections for April, City vs Arsenal is almost guaranteed to be on Sky Sports at 4:30pm on Sunday, April 19, and not just because it will be the biggest game of the season.

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That is because the quarter-final second legs will take place just a few days before the top two face off, with the following midweek free. That means there is no need to have the game played on the Saturday as neither team, presuming at least get beyond the last-16, will be in action the following Tuesday.

FA Cup ties are also likely to play a role with both teams facing the possibility of re-arranged games to accommodate semi-final appearances.

Arsenal have been handed a favourable fifth round tie against Mansfield Town while City face the daunting prospect of Newcastle United at St James’ Park in just under two weeks.

City are already set to have a tight turnaround of fixtures in the closing weeks of the season with their game in hand against Crystal Palace needing to be moved from Carabao Cup final weekend.

Arsenal saw their match against Wolves set for that game week brought forward by over a month but Palace’s participation in the Conference League play-offs meant that could not happen for Guardiola and Co.

While fixtures are set to play a massive role in deciding where the silverware ends up in late May, injuries are also expected to be a major factor.

This past weekend, Guardiola was without star striker Erling Haaland while Nico O’Reilly also went off with a potential issue making both doubts to face Forest.

In north London, Declan Rice was taken off with a possible knock against Chelsea and Martin Odegaard missed out entirely. Arteta will therefore be sweating on the fitness of the midfield duo for the trip to Brighton.

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Arsenal and Man City are battling for the Premier League title with the Gunners five points clear, though City have a game in hand ahead of their Carabao Cup final clash

Arsenal and Manchester City both secured crucial victories this weekend as the Premier League title race intensifies. The Gunners maintain their position at the summit, five points clear of City, who have a game in hand.

Pep Guardiola’s side claimed a 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday evening, courtesy of Antoine Semenyo’s decisive goal. On Sunday, Arsenal responded with a 2-1 triumph against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

The coming week will pose another challenge for both teams before the title race takes a break for the FA Cup next week. Both sides are also vying in the Champions League and will face each other in the Carabao Cup final.

Here, MEN Sport examines how the fixtures stack up and the specific matches that could be pivotal before the season concludes….

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Manchester City

Nottingham Forest (H) – Wed 4 March (7.30pm) – Premier League.

Newcastle (A) – Sat 7 March (8pm) – FA Cup.

Real Madrid (A) – Wed 11 March (8pm) – Champions League.

West Ham (A) – Sat 14 March (8pm) – Premier League.

Real Madrid (H) – Tues 17 March (8pm) – Champions League.

Arsenal (N) – Sun 22 March (4.30pm) – EFL Cup.

Champions League quarter-final first-leg – 11/11 April.

FA Cup quarter-final – Sat 4 April.

Chelsea (A) – Sat 11 April (3pm) – Premier League.

Champions League quarter-final second-leg – 14/15 April.

Arsenal (H) – Sat 18 April (3pm) – Premier League.

Burnley (A) – Sat 25 April (3pm) – Premier League/FA Cup semi-final.

Champions League semi-final first-leg – 28/29 April.

Everton (A) – Sat 2 May (3pm) – Premier League.

Champions League semi-final second-leg – 5/6 May.

Brentford (H) – Sat 9 May (3pm) – Premier League.

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Bournemouth (A) – Sun 17 May (3pm) – Premier League/FA Cup final.

Aston Villa (H) – Sun 24 May (4pm) – Premier League.

Arsenal

Brighton (A) – Wed 4 March (7.30pm) – Premier League.

Mansfield Town (A) – Sat 7 March (12.15pm) – FA Cup.

Bayer Leverkusen (A) – Wed 11 March (5.45pm) – Champions League.

Everton (H) – Sat 14 March (5.30pm) – Premier League.

Bayer Leverkusen (H) – Tues 17 March (8pm) – Champions League.

Man City (N) – Sun 22 March (4.30pm) – EFL Cup.

Champions League quarter-final first-leg – 11/11 April.

FA Cup quarter-final – Sat 4 April.

Bournemouth (H) – Sat 11 April (3pm) – Premier League.

Champions League quarter-final second-leg – 14/15 April.

Man City (A) – Sat 18 April (3pm) – Premier League.

Newcastle (H) – Sat 25 April (3pm) – Premier League/FA Cup semi-final.

Champions League semi-final first-leg – 28/29 April.

Fulham (H) – Sat 2 May (3pm) – Premier League.

Champions League semi-final second-leg – 5/6 May.

West Ham (A) – Sat 9 May (3pm) – Premier League.

Burnley (H) – Sun 17 May (3pm) – Premier League/FA Cup final.

Crystal Palace (A) – Sun 24 May (4pm) – Premier League.

Champions League final – 30 May.

Chido Obi scored four goals for Manchester United’s Under 21s on Monday, a matter of weeks after the club turned down loan offers for the teenage forward

Manchester United are poised to send Chido Obi out on loan next season after making the ‘conscious decision’ to reject offers for the 18-year-old sensation in January.

Obi signed for United in September 2024 after spending two years at Arsenal and he was fast-tracked into the club’s first-team set-up with Ruben Amorim’s side struggling in the final third.

Indeed, the Dane ended up making eight senior appearances last season, with one coming from the start.

But United decided last summer to move him back into the academy to continue his development.

As the Manchester Evening News reported earlier this month, that plan was set before the 2025/26 campaign to keep the youngster away from the spotlight and have him as a focal point for the Under 18s and Under 21s.

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And, according to the Daily Mail, United stuck to that plan in the January transfer window after deciding to not entertain loan offers for Obi. They felt as though Obi would benefit more now from developing his game to go beyond physically bullying opponents in the U18s and U21s this season.

While Obi is due to be United’s main man in the U21s, at least, for the remainder of the season, the Mail add that a loan move is viewed as ‘more likely’ going into the 2026/27 campaign.

Obi has been in excellent form for United’s younger age groups this season and he continued his fine scoring spree by netting FOUR for the U21s in a 4-1 win at Leicester City on Monday.

As United’s first-team were in Premier League action against Everton, Obi was firing in the goals for the U21s against Leicester, with the forward powering the Reds to a fifth win in eight.

There is a feeling behind-the-scenes at United that having Obi as part of the U18s and U21s is going to benefit him in the long run, with Darren Fletcher having him as the starting No.9 for the club’s FA Youth Cup run. The Reds are into the quarter-final of that competition and face Sunderland or Brighton next month.

Speaking on Obi’s future back in September, United U21s coach Travis Binnion told Manchester Evening News: “It’s not easy for him because people look at him like he’s a big kid.

“The key thing there is he’s still very young, he’s still learning his game. Because he’s had exposure with the first-team, I think people expect performance levels that are really consistent and really high. You’ve got first-team players across the country who don’t do that.

“The expectation on him is high, but he has to deliver the basics, and what he did from minute 30 to 80 when he came off is he pressed, he ran and he occupied two centre halves to give other players space on the pitch to exploit, which is why we dominated the ball.

“I’m really pleased with him and we haven’t even scraped the top of the iceberg with him.

“He’s got loads to come. That will come from how he sees the game, keeps working hard and recognises he has stuff to develop because that’s always a challenge when you have that first-team exposure and then you go away and have to start working on things.”

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Manchester City and Arsenal are locked in a Premier League title race battle and both teams face some important fixtures across the next couple of weeks

Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a huge blow on Sunday, as Arsenal restored their five-point lead by beating Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

City had reduced the gap with a 2-1 win against Newcastle United on Saturday and that put the pressure back on the Gunners to respond as they made the short trip to arch rivals Spurs.

But, despite a mini-scare in the first-half, Mikel Arteta’s side responded in brutal fashion. Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for the Gunners 31 minutes into the outing, before Randal Kolo Muani issued an instant response to level matters.

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Viktor Gyokeres then gave Arsenal the lead once more as the second-half resumed, with Kolo Muani once again finding the back of David Raya’s net. However, the Frenchman’s second strike was ultimately ruled out due to a foul on Gabriel in the build-up.

Eze bagged his second of the afternoon 61 minutes into the match, before Gyokeres secured a brace of his own in the game’s final stages. As a result of the 4-1 win, Arsenal now sit five points clear of City in the Premier League standings, albeit, Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues have a game in hand on the Gunners to help close the gap once more.

With that in mind, here are Arsenal’s next five fixtures compared to Manchester City’s…

Arsenal (1st – 61 points)

Chelsea (H) – Sunday, March 1 (4:30pm) – Premier League

Brighton (A) – Wednesday, March 4 (7:30pm) – Premier League

Mansfield Town (A) – Saturday, March 7 (12:15pm) – FA Cup

Everton (H) – Sunday, March 15 (2pm) – Premier League

Manchester City – Sunday, March 22 (4:30pm) – Carabao Cup

Manchester City (2nd – 56 points)

Leeds United (A) – Saturday, February 28 (5:30pm) – Premier League

Nottingham Forest (H) – Wednesday, March 4 (7:30pm) – Premier League

Newcastle United (A) – Saturday, March 7 (8pm) – FA Cup

West Ham (A) – Saturday, March 14 (12:30pm) – Premier League

Arsenal (A) – Sunday, March 22 (4:30pm) – Carabao Cup

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Manchester City claimed a 2-1 win over Newcastle United with Pep Guardiola issuing a Premier League title message to Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has delivered a clear title race message to both the Manchester City players and Arsenal after the win over Newcastle United. City claimed a 2-1 win over the Magpies to close the gap with the Gunners at the top of the Premier League table.

City are now just two points behind Arsenal, having played the same number of matches, with the Gunners facing Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal drew with Wolves in midweek, and City will have their game in hand once again once this weekend’s round of matches have been completed.

City’s win over Newcastle came thanks to a first-half brace from Nico O’Reilly, with Lewis Hall on the score sheet for the visitors at the Etihad Stadium.

READ MORE: ‘We need that’ – Pep Guardiola has message for Man City fans after NewcastleREAD MORE: Man City next five fixtures compared to Arsenal in title race after Newcastle United win

With the title race intensifying and just 11 more fixtures still to be played, Guardiola offered a prediction for the rest of the campaign for both City and Arsenal.

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Guardiola also sent a message to the City players ahead of their next Premier League match, which sees them travel to face Leeds United next weekend

“Many things are going to happen,” Guardiola told reporters. “I have a feeling that we are not going to win all our games. Arsenal, I don’t know.

“But I have this feeling, because FA Cup, Champions League games, then comes trouble. Many, many games. Injuries will come.

“The best way is to relax now and focus on Leeds, then we’ll see. It will depend on our level, it needs to be better, better, better.”

“We have a lot of new players, that’s why they have to live it,” Guardiola added. “I’ve said, forget about it. We have to improve, it’s not enough.

“To compete to win the Premier League you have to be there. We proved ourselves to win the three points but we have to do better to have the chance to do it.

“I say to the guys, ‘Take a lot of caipirinhas and daiquiris in these three days, enjoy life’. And after that, make a proper three training sessions and go to Leeds. That is a proper way.

“I know how difficult it will be. If it doesn’t go well, we keep going, never give up. Ten or 11 games is a lot in the Premier League.”

Despite winning five Premier League trophies in the past, Guardiola pointed to the inexperience in the City squad in a title race and praised the home fans in the win over Newcastle.

“70% of the players never played in that situation and I don’t play. We have to believe it,” Guardiola told TNT Sports.

“They know, we know, that until the end of the season every game will be like this.

“Today we had the best crowd of the year. It was unbelievable. I am really proud to be manager of these incredible fans.”

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Manchester City were handed a major boost in midweek after Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Manchester City’s bid to reclaim their Premier League title was boosted on Wednesday night thanks to relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arsenal were 2-0 up but a late fightback from Rob Edwards’ side rescued a point and gave City renewed confidence.

If City beat Newcastle United on Saturday evening, they will move to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. With Mikel Arteta’s side looking over their shoulders, it’s all to play for in the Premier League run-in.

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MEN Sport has picked out seven matches for City and Arsenal that could settle the title race.

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Man City vs Newcastle United – February 21

If City can find a win on Saturday, the title race will swing in their favour.

Newcastle have found the Etihad Stadium a tough place to visit and they won’t be looking forward to this game after a long trip to Qarabag on Wednesday. Should City win, they will crank the pressure up on Arsenal even more.

Tottenham vs Arsenal – February 22

After the setback at Wolves, the north London derby could be season-defining for Arsenal. Assuming City beat Newcastle, the pressure will be on the Gunners to restore their five-point advantage.

Spurs will be confident of upsetting their fierce rivals with new interim head coach Igor Tudor in the dugout for the first time. The mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should be positive compared to under Thomas Frank and if Arsenal are still suffering a hangover from Wednesday night, they could be tripped up.

Arsenal vs Chelsea – March 1

A double whammy for Arsenal as they follow up the north London derby with a visit from Chelsea. Their head coach Liam Rosenior earned no praise for his approach on their last visit to the Emirates Stadium.

But Chelsea’s ‘negative’ style saw Arsenal struggle to break them down. Only when Chelsea opened up did the Gunners score.

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There is every chance Rosenior looks to copy that tactic when they meet again in the Premier League. City will be hoping Chelsea’s defensive approach will frustrate Arsenal enough for them to drop points.

Chelsea vs Man City – April 11 (Date TBC)

City have not lost at Stamford Bridge since April 2021 but while their recent form against Chelsea is good, they will be wary. In the reverse fixture, Chelsea nicked a point at the death to frustrate the Blues.

At home, Chelsea will be expected to be more offensive – this should play into City’s hands. There has been audible frustration from the fans when Chelsea have struggled under Rosenior.

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The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.

The Blues will hope they can utilise this, turn the home fans against their team early and make it tricky for Chelsea.

Man City vs Arsenal – April 18 (Date TBC)

No surprise to see this one on the list. This game will give a huge indication as to which way the title is heading.

As things stand, the onus will be on City to take the game to Arsenal and that will be to Arteta’s benefit. However, if the gap is two points or the Blues are leading the way by the time they meet, the game has a different complexion.

Pep Guardiola will be confident his team can pick up the win if they are in striking distance of Arsenal. It should be a day when the Etihad Stadium is at its best.

Man City vs Aston Villa and Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – May 24

With the way the season is going, the title race could go down to the final day. City hold good memories of beating Villa on the final day to win a league title and it is that experience Guardiola will be leaning on if they need it.

Villa will be a tougher opponent considering their league position. But there is a good chance their season will be over should Champions League qualification already be secured.

As for Arsenal, the trip to Palace is not straightforward but they do have a good record there. It will be Oliver Glasner’s last game as manager at Selhurst Park, meaning the hosts will be up for it.

But whoever is top heading into the final day will be expected to complete the job.

Manchester City can move to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday if they beat Newcastle United.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta insisted his team needs to “go through the pain” after they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with bottom of the Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night. The Gunners had the opportunity to go seven points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with a win.

Arteta’s side looked all set to do that when Bukayo Saka opened the scoring early on and Piero Hincapie doubled the advantage ten minutes into the second half. Incredibly, Wolves, who have only won once in the Premier League all season, staged a remarkable comeback through Santiago Bueno and a Riccardo Calafiori own goal.

The gap is now five points but will be cut to just two on Saturday night if City beat Newcastle United. Arsenal do not play again until Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham Hotspur but even if they win, they will have played a game more than Pep Guardiola’s team.

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Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Arteta said: “I think we need to go through the pain, and you need to go through that, looking in the mirror and understanding what the game requires now, and the next action is on Sunday. That’s it.

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“Anything that we say from here today is fine, but we need to keep all that in our tummies to show it on Sunday. That’s what we have to do.” He added: “I think any question, any criticism, any opinion, you have to take it on the chin today.

“I think that’s it. Any hit, any bullet, take it, because we didn’t perform at the level that is required. Anything that anybody says can be right because we didn’t do what we had to do. The way to do it is on that pitch on Sunday, in a great opportunity that we have.

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“We’ve always done it, but you’re as strong if you show it the next time you do it. To talk and say it here, it’s simple, and we have to do it on the pitch.”

Man City have been handed a boost in their hopes of chasing Arsenal down in what is turning out to be an intriguing Premier League title race

Manchester City have been handed a boost in the Premier League title race, with midweek results seeing them closing the gap on Arsenal at the top of the table.

City were in action on Wednesday night when they hosted Fulham at the Etihad Stadium. First-half goals from Antoine Semenyo, Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland saw them record a comfortable 3-0 win.

Attentions then turned to the Gtech Stadium, where Arsenal took on Brentford 24 hours later.

After a goalless first half, Arsenal thought they had pulled away when Noni Madueke put them 1-0 up. However, Brentford drew level in the 71st minute, much to the delight of City fans.

Both teams had chances to win the game in the added time, but it ended 1-1, with Arsenal dropping two points. It means that City are now just four points behind the Gunners in the table.

It puts more emphasis on the next few weeks as they look to close the gap further. With that in mind, here’s a look at what lies ahead for both sides.

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Arsenal (1st place, 57 points)

Vs Wigan (H) – Sun 15 Feb (4.30pm) – FA Cup

Vs Wolves (A) – Weds 18 Feb (8pm) – Premier League

Vs Tottenham (A) – Sun 22 Feb (4.30pm) – Premier League

Vs Chelsea (H) – Sun 1 March (4.30pm) – Premier League

Vs Brighton (A) – Weds 4 March (7.30pm) – Premier League

Facing Wigan could give Mikel Arteta a chance to rest some key players ahead of what is a busy few weeks in the Premier League. The clash against Wolves is one Arsenal will target for three points, especially with London derbies following in the next two games.

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Man City (2nd place, 53 points)

Vs Salford City (H) – Sat 14 Feb (3pm) – FA Cup

Vs Newcastle (H) – Sat 21 Feb (8pm) – Premier League

Vs Leeds United (A) – Sat 28 Feb (5.30pm) – Premier League

Vs Nottingham Forest (H) – Weds 4 March (7.30pm) – Premier League

Vs West Ham (A) – Sat 14 March (12.30pm) – Premier League

Like Arsenal, the FA Cup weekend could give the chance for City to rest some players. Pep Guardiola’s side also have some extra time by not being in midweek action ahead of the game against Newcastle.

On paper, clashes against Leeds, Nottingham Forest and West Ham, who are all hoping to avoid relegation this season, should be seen as winnable for City.

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The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.