How Man City’s win vs Arsenal could actually decide the title

How Man City’s win vs Arsenal could actually decide the title

Manchester City’s 2-1 win against Arsenal this weekend feels like a massive moment in the title race.

The Citizens are charging towards the finish line as Arsenal have stumbled, with victory at the Etihad slashing the Gunners’ lead in the title race to three points. City, crucially, have a game in hand and can move top of the Premier League with a win at Burnley in midweek.

Pep Guardiola’s side have set up a dramatic conclusion to the campaign. The win means the two teams are almost evenly matched, with the prospect of the Premier League being decided via goal difference if both teams win all of their remaining games.

Only once has the Premier League been decided on goal difference, when City edged out Manchester United in 2012.

There is currently only one goal between the teams, which could lead to other tiebreaker factors being used to determine the champions. If both teams finish level on points and goal difference, the team with the most goals scored this season will be crowned champions. City currently lead by two goals scored on that metric.

However, if points, goal difference, and goals scored are all equal, the title will be decided on head-to-head record.

That would see City’s 2-1 win this weekend crown the club champions at Arsenal’s expense, with the reverse fixture ending 1-1 at the Emirates in September.

What are the Premier League tiebreaker rules? How are things decided after goal difference?

Position in the Premier League table is decided by the following tiebreakers if teams finish on the same number of points.

• Goal difference