Arsenal lead as City must respond

The Premier League title race could take another decisive turn on Saturday as leaders Arsenal and closest challengers Manchester City face crucial fixtures.

Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium with their sights firmly set on a first league crown since Arsene Wenger’s famed ‘Invincibles’ lifted the Premier League trophy in 2004.

With just eight games remaining, Mikel Arteta’s side hold a seven-point lead over second-placed City and could stretch that advantage to 10 if they defeat Everton earlier on Saturday.

City, however, still have a game in hand and will kick off away to West Ham United roughly 30 minutes after the final whistle in Arsenal’s match. But Pep Guardiola has made it clear that any slip-up now could prove fatal to their title hopes.

“The league was the most difficult title,” Guardiola said on Friday. “The Premier League always, I believe, is the most difficult one and still we are there, knowing that if we drop points, it'll be over.”

City head into the weekend needing a response after a bruising 3-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday that has left their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals slim.

Despite that setback, Guardiola welcomed the fact that his team remain in the hunt during the closing stages of the Premier League campaign.

“Now it is a pleasure to be here,” he said. “Last season we could not live that in this stage, so it's nice. When you arrive in the last 10 games every team plays for something… now there are no second chances.”

While City must keep pace, Arsenal’s destiny remains in their own hands. Arteta’s men recovered from a two-game winless run in February by reeling off three consecutive league victories, leaving them within touching distance of the title after finishing runners-up in the past three seasons.

Everton manager David Moyes also backed Arsenal amid criticism of their physical style and reliance on set pieces, insisting tactical variety is part of football.

“You are making it sound as if that's a problem because they are good at set pieces and they are a strong, physical side,” Moyes said. “I don't see any problem with any of that. It's part of the game.”

Elsewhere, attention will turn to Stamford Bridge where Chelsea host Newcastle in a clash with European implications.

Chelsea, currently fifth on 48 points and level with sixth-placed Liverpool, are seeking a response after a heavy Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week.

Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive 12th in the table but hopeful of exploiting Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities as they aim to end a 14-year wait for a Premier League win at Stamford Bridge.