07 April 2024 , 16:35
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Arsenal's Premier League destiny is now in their own hands after Liverpool could only manage a 2-2 draw away at Manchester United.
The Gunners had moved to the top of the table after beating Brighton, but would have been leapfrogged had Jurgen Klopp's side picked up all three points in Manchester. And that looked to be on the cards after Luis Diaz capped a dominant first-half display with a goal.
But a moment of opportunistic brilliance from Bruno Fernandes levelled the score after the break, before Kobbie Mainoo scored a brilliant curling effort to put United in front. Mo Salah scored from the spot to ensure the Reds earned a share of the spoils, a result which will have been toasted both in North London and at Manchester City respectively.
Liverpool's two title rivals had already picked up victories, with Arsenal's superior goal difference meaning they remain the leaders on goal difference with seven games to go.
City were the first to play this weekend - and were given an early scare away at Crystal Palace. Jean-Philippe Mateta put the Eagles in front, before Kevin De Bruyne scored an outrageous equaliser.
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And it was business as usual for the champions after the break as goals from Rico Lewis, Erling Haaland and a second for De Bruyne laid down a marker for their rivals to match.
On paper at least, Brighton away looked one of Arsenal ’s trickiest remaining fixtures. Danny Murphy had pinpointed it as one of three matches - along with games against Spurs and United - which put them at a major disadvantage.
But Brighton barely laid a glove on Mikel Arteta ’s side and the result was never in doubt after Bukayo Saka scored a first-half penalty. Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard scored after the break to bolster a goal difference which is already significantly better than their title rivals.
Next weekend, the Gunners again have the next trickiest assignment, facing off against former boss Unai Emery and top-four hopefuls Aston Villa. Emery’s side beat them in the West Midlands, but Arsenal will fancy their chances in front of their own supporters.
Both Liverpool and City will expect to pick up maximum points with home fixtures against Palace and Luton respectively.
Salah's penalty earned Liverpool a draw - a result which wasn't enough for the Reds to go back to the top of the tableLooking further ahead, it is Arsenal who will have the most hurdles to overcome, particularly with the aforementioned games against Man United and Spurs - as well as another London derby with Chelsea.
Liverpool have their own derby against Everton at Goodison Park, as well as trips to West Ham and Villa. City appear to have the kindest run-in, with Brighton away looking their most difficult before a ball is kicked.
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