Ranking the 5 Crucial Games That Will Define the Premier League Title Race

As the Premier League enters its final stretch, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City are embroiled in an enthralling title race.

The Gunners currently lead the pack, narrowly edging out the Reds on goal difference, while the Cityzens closely trail just one point behind the top two contenders.

Sports Brief examines five pivotal matches poised to shape the destiny of this season's champions.

Matches that will decide Premier League

Manchester City v Arsenal, March 31

The most significant match of the title race takes place at the Etihad Stadium following the international break.

A third loss to Arsenal this season could prove catastrophic for City's aspirations of clinching an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Pep Guardiola's side at the Emirates Stadium in October, courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli's late goal. Additionally, they triumphed over City on penalties in the Community Shield back in August.

While Mikel Arteta's team boasts an impressive record of eight consecutive league wins, City remains undefeated in 22 matches across all competitions and has maintained a home unbeaten streak since November 2022.

Manchester City v Aston Villa, April 3

Should City manage to clinch a crucial win against Arsenal, their celebration will be short-lived as they face a quick turnaround with a visit from top-four contenders Aston Villa just three days later.

Aston Villa, enjoying an unexpectedly impressive season, currently sit in fourth place, aiming for their first Champions League qualification since the tournament's rebranding.

8 times the Premier League title was decided on the final day as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Man City hunt for crown

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Unai Emery's side delivered a shock victory against City in December, with Leon Bailey's 74th-minute goal securing a 1-0 win. Since then, City has remained unbeaten, while Villa has maintained their position in the top four despite pressure from Tottenham.

Manchester United v Liverpool, April 7

Liverpool are set for a redemption mission as they head to Old Trafford following their agonizing 4-3 defeat to their arch-rivals in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Despite leading 2-1 and 3-2 towards the end of normal and extra time respectively, Jurgen Klopp's team couldn't secure victory, succumbing to Amad Diallo's last-minute winner, which dashed their hopes of a quadruple.

Despite this setback, Liverpool still has the opportunity to give Klopp a memorable farewell in his final season by adding the Premier League and Europa League trophies to the League Cup they clinched in February.

Securing their first victory at Old Trafford since 2021 will be crucial for Liverpool as they aim to match Manchester United's record of 20 English titles

Tottenham v Arsenal, April 28

With high stakes looming over these longstanding adversaries, the North London derby promises an intensified rivalry. Arsenal's historic league victories at White Hart Lane in 1971 and 2004 add further significance to the upcoming clash at the rebuilt stadium, situated on the grounds of those memorable triumphs.

For Arsenal, who last claimed the league title two decades ago, a win against their bitter rivals could propel them significantly closer to another championship.

Despite a 2-2 draw at the Emirates in September where they twice relinquished their lead, Arsenal have lost just one of the last six North London derbies. Tottenham, under the revitalized leadership of Ange Postecoglou in his inaugural season, adopted an attack-minded approach and are poised to pursue a top-four finish aggressively.

Aston Villa v Liverpool, May 11

While Liverpool comfortably defeated Villa 3-0 at Anfield back in September, they anticipate a tougher challenge in the upcoming rematch. As it marks Jurgen Klopp's final away league fixture as Liverpool manager, the German will aim for a fourth consecutive victory at Villa Park.

Villa's last triumph over Liverpool dates back to 2020 when their stunning 7-2 win prompted Klopp to acknowledge his team's shortcomings. With the possibility of clinching their first title in four years looming, Liverpool cannot afford a repeat of such a catastrophic performance.

Decision Day

Should the title contenders remain neck and neck following those fixtures, the season's ultimate showdown on May 19th sees Arsenal welcoming Everton, Manchester City tackling West Ham, and Liverpool squaring off against Wolves.

Analysing remaining fixtures of EPL's top three

Sports Brief also previously gave a breakdown of how the remaining matches of Arsenal, Man City, and Liverpool will affect the Premier League title chase.

Only one point separates them ahead of the last 10 games of the season, with the only fixture among them being the Gunners' visit to the Etihad on March 31.