Arsenal have no time to lick their wounds after losing top spot in the Premier League to Manchester City, as the Gunners aim to snap a four-game winless streak at Aston Villa today.
City must end Nottingham Forest’s five-month unbeaten run at the City Ground in the league, if they are to maintain their momentum towards a fifth title in six seasons.
Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle could have big implications on who finishes in the top four come the end of the season, while there is a huge relegation six-pointer at the bottom as Leeds visit Everton.
SuperSport.com looks at some of the key talking points ahead of the weekend’s action.
Arteta still believes
Arsenal’s unbeaten home record came to end on Wednesday, as City stormed the Emirates 3-1 and went top for the first time since November in the process.
After dropping just seven points in their opening 19 league games, Arsenal have let eight slip away in the last three following defeat at Everton and a controversial 1-1 draw with Brentford.
“I have more belief than I had before the game,” said a defiant Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, after losing to City.
“With the performance and the level the team put in, we had the feeling we could beat them. Until the second goal we had them.
“But we gave them three goals and the game at the end. Certain errors at this level, you can’t make. At the same time, the team put the level very high.”
City lead only on goal difference and Arsenal still have a game in hand on their title rivals.
Victory at Villa Park would right the ship for Arteta’s men, but fears, fatigue and injuries are beginning to hamper the young squad.
Influential midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to miss Saturday’s clash due to a muscle injury, while Gabriel Jesus remains out injured.
Last chance for Liverpool?
Liverpool’s first league victory of 2023 against Everton on Monday night brought the Reds back into contention for a top-four finish.
JurgenKlopp’s men still have a lot of ground to make up if they are to qualify for the Champions League for a seventh consecutive season.
Liverpool are nine points behind fourth-placed Newcastle, but have a game in hand on the Magpies and the chance to cut that gap at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Newcastle’s only league defeat of the season so far came at Anfield in August.
But five draws in their last six games have slowed their charge towards a place in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. – AFP
Today:
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Brentford v Crystal Palace
Brighton v Fulham
Chelsea v Southampton
Everton v Leeds United
Nottm Forest v Man City
Wolves v Bournemouth
Newcastle v Liverpool
SUNDAY:
Man Utd v Leicester
Tottenham v West Ham