- Manchester City backed to outscore Arsenal
- Pundit highlights key difference between two sides
- Premier League title race remains level on points and goal difference
Former goalkeeper Tim Krul has explained why Manchester City may hold the advantage over Arsenal in the Premier League title race despite both sides being level on points and goal difference.
The Premier League title race remains tight, with goals scored separating both the Gunners and the Citizens.
Both sides have played 33 games, have 70 points and a +37 goal difference. However, City have scored more (66) than Arsenal (63) in the Premier League. Following the gap, the Sky Blues dethroned their rivals following the win on Wednesday.
Despite the tables turning, the pressure now isn’t just about winning but scoring more goals. While the Citizens might’ve managed only one goal in their last game, a former Premier League goalkeeper explains that they can still do better than their rivals overall.
Tim Krul believes the title is City’s to claim
Winning every game from now on will only result in 85 points, which Arsenal can still match. The Gunners also have easier end-of-season fixtures.
While both teams have three home and two away games remaining, Tim Krul believes City’s final-third output should win them the title.
“I just keep backing City, if I’m honest. Even though I think when you call it out like that, the Arsenal fixtures looking a little bit more favourable. But Man City at home, I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of beatings at the Etihad and not great memories at that place,” Krul told BBC.
He added on City’s attacking capability: “But they are capable of turning teams over, four, five, six, and I just don’t see Arsenal this season doing that to teams.
“Yes, they’ve been very pragmatic and hard to beat and [have] a great record at home. But they haven’t really turned too many teams over.”
Injuries have cost Arsenal
The Gunners have only scored three goals in their last five games. Man City, on the other hand, have scored 12 in their last five, including two against Arsenal.
Despite a strong start to the season in terms of attacking output, injuries to Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino have cost Arteta’s side.
Saka is expected to return in a few days, but with a three-goal difference between the sides, it will be hard to catch up with just five games left.
Man City must continue scoring
Despite a rather cold showing at Turf Moor, one small game won’t affect the overall trajectory of the Citizens.
They’ve scored seven goals in their last five away games and 11 goals in their last five home games. This form should carry City to widen the gap against Arsenal.
Even if Saka returns for Newcastle and starts providing from day one, Guardiola’s men can just score more and leave the Gunners in the dust.
