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Premier League talking points for this weekend’s action

By David Hathaway

Could Chelsea actually be relegated?
Could Chelsea actually be relegated? /
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May 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Manchester City players surround midfielder George Evans as they celebrate his second half goal in a 1-0 win over Toronto FC in an international club friendly at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Manchester City players surround midfielder George Evans as they celebrate his second half goal in a 1-0 win over Toronto FC in an international club friendly at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Who will gain momentum in the title race?

For the Leicester non-believers, this fixture represents a contest between the two true title contenders.

After securing qualification for the Champions League knock –out stages, Arsenal’s tails are up as they chase their first Premier League title since the ‘Invincibles’ soared to victory in 2004. With only one league defeat at home to Manchester City since the Emirates opened in 2006, Arsenal will be buoyed by a combination of recent form and previous successes over City as they take on their biggest rivals for the top spot.

In recent years, Arsenal have consistently faltered when on the verge of establishing themselves as a challenger and true threat, but this fixture presents another opportunity to cement themselves as the team to beat at the halfway stage of the season.

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With injuries throughout the team to players like Alexis Sánchez, Francis Coquelin, and Santi Cazorla, Arsenal’s form has remained steady. Perhaps this is a new Arsenal? In recent years, tasked with needing to win by two clear goals against Olympiakos, Arsenal would have been expected to fight, but ultimately come up short in their attempts to qualify. Instead, this year, Arsenal have shown a resolve to bounce back from adversity and poor performances.

Despite their dismantling at the hands of Stoke two weeks ago, Manchester City have looked like a consistent potent attacking threat for large swathes of this season, but unfortunately for them, it is the defence that is the prevalent issue. In Vincent Kompany’s absence, Nicolás Otamendi and Martín Demichelis have not shown that they possess the ability to marshal a title-winning defence in the Premier League. With talk of Kompany being rushed back in time for this fixture, City fans will be praying that this will not result in a protracted spell on the sidelines for the influential skipper.

Up front though, with Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Agüero in the team, they should be able to threaten the Arsenal back line.

The title won’t be won at the Emirates on Monday night under the floodlights, but the winning side will go one more step towards it and cast a big psychological advantage in the process.

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