As if the reigning Premier League champions needed any more motivation already, Arsenal’s shock loss to Sean Dyche’s Everton this afternoon could see Manchester City close the gap at the top of the standings to just two points with a win over Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow afternoon.
With the blockbuster clash against Mikel Arteta’s side looming, a win over Tottenham and a win next weekend against Unai Emery’s in-form Aston Villa side, a victory against the Gunners at the Emirates could see City regain the top spot in the league for the first time since August.
However, despite a second-half masterclass just over two weeks ago to come from two goals behind against Spurs, City hold an embarrassing record when facing the London club away from home. In four visits to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, City have not won or even scored a goal. Not a very good omen for a team who needs to win to sustain pressure on the leaders.
City have yet to face Antonio Conte’s side away from home with Erling Haaland in their ranks, the Norwegian is currently on 25 Premier League goals in just 19 appearances and is ripping up the record books in his debut season at the club. If anyone is capable of ending this bizarre, barren away run, the 6ft5 goal-machine is the man that City are looking for.
If City were able to leave London with three points tomorrow night, it would place the destiny of the Premier League title race firmly back in their control, defeat Arsenal home and away and match their results elsewhere and Pep Guardiola and his players would be champions for a third successive season.