Manchester City return to the Etihad on Wednesday night (20:00 BST) with the title race alive but no longer in their control. They must win and hope Arsenal falter but midweek opponents Crystal Palace could have a decisive say in where the trophy ends up.
Man City still pushing for title, but relying on help
Manchester City were not in action on Sunday, yet their fortunes swung with every moment of Arsenal's clash with West Ham. Pep Guardiola had light heartedly offered his support to the Hammers beforehand, signing off his press conference with a playful "come on you Irons".
The late Arsenal winner means City's task is unchanged – keep winning and wait.
Their home form remains a source of confidence. Guardiola's side are unbeaten in 16 league matches at the Etihad and have scored first in all of them, a reminder of how difficult they are to beat once in front.
But recent games have demanded more patience. Despite leading the league for first half goals (38) across the season, each of their past five has come after the interval. Opponents are sitting deeper, and City are having to work harder to break them down.
Jeremy Doku's emergence has been a timely boost.
The Belgian winger has grown in influence, contributing seven goal involvements in his past six matches in all competitions. His direct running and ability to unsettle defenders helped to unlock a stubborn Brentford before City ran away with a 3-0 win last time out. He offers another route through tight games.
A week earlier, however, the draw with Everton raised questions. City led 1-0 but fell 3-1 behind before Doku's stoppage-time equaliser salvaged a point. Was it two dropped or one gained? That may become clearer in the weeks ahead. For now, they must keep the pressure on, and that starts with beating Palace.
[BBC]
Palace carry a threat – but can they deliver?
Crystal Palace have reasons for optimism. Only Arsenal and City have more away wins this season than the Eagles' seven, and they have consistently caused problems at the Etihad, scoring twice on each of their past four visits.
Ismaila Sarr's recent scoring run underlines their attacking threat.
The Senegal forward is in red hot form, hitting nine goals across his past 10 starts in all competitions. Palace have the pace and movement to trouble City – the question is whether they can sustain it long enough to take something from the game.
Oliver Glasner's side have struggled to find rhythm immediately after European fixtures and the draw with Everton at Selhurst Park highlighted that inconsistency.
The stakes, though, are clear. A Palace win would all but end City's title hopes and leave Arsenal in a position to wrap it up before the final day. If City fail to beat the Eagles, the Gunners could secure the Premier League title on Monday night with victory over already relegated Burnley.
[BBC]
