Manchester City’s victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final has sparked debate about its impact on the Premier League title race. The match served as a reality check for both sides as they prepare for the final stretch of the season. The game was one of several key talking points from the weekend.
City’s Cup Win: Advantage in Title Race?
Stewart Robson and Gab Marcotti debated whether Manchester City will gain any advantage over Arsenal after beating them in the Carabao Cup final. Man City are nine points behind Arsenal, with a game in hand. Crucially, there is a head-to-head match at the Etihad on April 19.
For Man City to have a shot at the Premier League title, they will almost certainly need to win both remaining games against Arsenal. Pep Guardiola already had four League Cup trophies in his trophy cabinet. The main value of Sunday afternoon is as a health check for the Premier League run-in and, in Arsenal’s case, the Champions’ League knockouts.
Arsenal’s Wembley Disappointment
Arsenal were hugely disappointing at Wembley, far more than the 2-0 scoreline suggests. After early chances from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s expected goals after the 12th minute was a paltry 0.26 against a back four missing Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. The trope that this season’s version of the team is less of a footballing side than a water-tight defending, transitions and set piece side might be a cliché, but it’s accurate.
Arsenal missed their early opportunity to score and managed just three corner kicks in the whole game, half as many as their average. Their keeper made a mistake leading to the opener just past the hour mark.
Elsewhere in Europe
Spain’s LaLiga was highlighted by Sunday’s Madrid derby, which saw Real Madrid defeat Atletico Madrid 3-2. Barcelona remain top of LaLiga with a four-point lead thanks to their 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, but the title race is finely poised.
Inter Milan dropped points to open Serie A’s title race a little. Liverpool looked dreadful vs. Brighton. Tottenham lost their relegation six-pointer. Bayern Munich rolled to another big win despite a heavily rotated team.
Spurs in Trouble
Tottenham are hurtling toward relegation after a limp loss to Forest.
The weekend’s action also provided talking points around Chelsea. Attention also focused on Liverpool, with questions raised about their inconsistency.