The Premier League title race between Manchester City and Arsenal is currently in the Gunners’ hands.
Mikel Arteta’s side currently lead by five points after a huge win over West Ham on Sunday.
Should both sides win all of their remaining league matches, Arsenal will be crowned champions on the final day by two points, meaning it is firmly in their own hands.
But should either side slip up and drop further points, the equation could change.
When is the earliest Arsenal could win the title?
After City dispatched Brentford on Saturday, the earliest Arsenal can win the title is on May 18 when they host Burnley.
This is only possible after Arsenal’s win over West Ham on Sunday, and hinges on City dropping points to Crystal Palace on Wednesday. If that happens, Arsenal could clinch the title with a win against Burnley.
When is the earliest Man City can win the title?
Things are a little different for City.
An earliest City league win can now only be sealed on the final day, provided Arsenal now seriously slip up.
Let’s say that the Gunners were to misfire vs. Burnley and Palace, and lose both.
Meanwhile, City take advantage and win their final three games.
That would leave City on 83 points and Arsenal on 79 as the season’s final whistle is blown.
Can either side seal the trophy in front of their own fans?
Strange things do happen in football, of course — but the situations described above both involve the two best sides in the country suddenly suffering back-to-back defeats at the season’s business end.
They would also both rob the winning side of the chance to confirm victory in their own match.
Arsenal could win it at home on May 18 — on matchday 37.
On the final day, it’s City who are at home as they welcome Aston Villa, while Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace.
After Arsenal’s over West Ham they are on 79 points, with 36 played.
For the Gunners to take it on May 18 vs. Burnley, at home, they’ll need City to drop points against Palace.
That would give Arsenal the opportunity to win it at home, at the final whistle.
Any more points from City and we go on, any fewer, the title is decided before a ball is kicked at the Emirates — though the celebratory atmosphere would be by no means dampened.
As for City, they wouldn’t be able to win it in front of the Etihad faithful until the final day.
Should the title race go down to the final day, City would be able to win it at home vs. Aston Villa, which needs little explaining. On the flip side, an Arsenal title on the last day would be in front of their travelling fans at Crystal Palace.
