Manchester City and Arsenal face a crucial Premier League showdown on Sunday that could shape the destination of the title. Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium with a six point lead over second placed City as they chase a first league crown since 2004.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said he is not bothered by criticism of the team’s recent poor form but admitted they must improve for what he called a title defining match. Arsenal have won only one of their last five games in all competitions. They lost the League Cup final to City, were knocked out of the FA Cup by second tier Southampton and suffered a damaging league defeat to Bournemouth. Their progress to the Champions League semi finals also came after a nervous goalless draw that completed a narrow 1 to 0 aggregate win over Sporting Lisbon.
Rice said Arsenal have made too many errors in recent weeks and must raise their level at the Etihad, which he described as the ultimate test. City, by contrast, look close to top form after beating Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in their last three matches in all competitions.
The weekend also brings a vital battle for Champions League places as Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Chelsea have won just one of their last seven league games and risk falling out of the top four race. They sit seven points behind third placed United and four points adrift of fifth placed Liverpool with six matches remaining.
A defeat to United would leave Chelsea’s Champions League hopes in serious danger and increase pressure on manager Liam Rosenior after last weekend’s 3 to 0 home loss to Manchester City. Midfielder Andrey Santos said the squad understands the fans’ frustration but insisted the players still believe they can finish in a Champions League position if they respond quickly.
On Sunday, Liverpool will try to bounce back in the Merseyside derby against Everton at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Arne Slot’s side were heavily beaten 4 to 0 on aggregate by Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League, a result that has increased scrutiny on the manager.
Liverpool have also suffered a major setback with France striker Hugo Ekitike ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury. Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch said victory over Everton in the first derby at their new arena would lift anxious supporters and strengthen Liverpool’s push to return to the Champions League next season.
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