(Football news) As Mikel Arteta makes his way back to his old haunt, Arsenal leads the treble winners by one point, a margin that may grow to four should they break the nine-year Etihad curse. Before Sunday’s highly anticipated match begins at the Etihad, there could be a change of leadership. Liverpool only needs to win their opening match against Brighton & Hove Albion to take the lead in the rankings, meaning that the final match will feature the silver and bronze medal winners.
Pep Guardiola, whose former pupil Arteta has swiftly developed into a sort of master, would find it unappealing to have Manchester City finish last on the podium, but that has nothing to do with their nearly flawless form in 2024.
As much as Guardiola may downplay it, the dream of back-to-back trebles remains a realistic one for the reigning English and European champions, who rained on Newcastle United’s parade with a 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final success before the two-week domestic pause; Chelsea now lie in wait at Wembley next month, following a tantalising Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid.
The two-goal beating of the Magpies stretched Manchester City’s exceptional unbeaten run across all tournaments to 22 matches since December’s humbling at the hands of Aston Villa – including each of their last 13 in the Premier League – and their streak without defeat on Etihad turf stands at an astonishing 38 games.
Not since Brentford’s surprise 2-1 win in November 2022 have Man City been on the losing side in front of the sky blue wall, where they have won each of their last four matches across all tournaments, but arguably the toughest examination of their title credentials now awaits.
Arsenal’s flawless Premier League record in 2024 now stands at an incredible eight wins from eight matches, a feat never before accomplished in the club’s illustrious history. This was accomplished quickly after they banished the demons of a miserable winter period in which Arteta masterminded just one win from seven matches amid the festivities.
While Brentford was furious that Kai Havertz was still playing, the form German celebrated his winning goal in the 86th minute, which propelled Arsenal to the top of the standings. They would maintain that position during the international break as Manchester City and Liverpool were unable to defeat each other.
Also read: Chelsea will play Burnley in EPL
