UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
The Premier League top 4 race is heating up. Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all picked up wins at the weekend to cement their spots in the top three.
It really only leaves that fourth spot open. But it’s a spot that carries huge significance, with several clubs eyeing it as we get to the business end of the season.
Man City sit top with 69 points, with Liverpool in second on 63. Chelsea meanwhile occupy third with 53 points. All three have seemingly been a class above the rest of the pack this season.
But as ever in the Premier League, nothing is set in stone. Liverpool’s pursuit of City perhaps epitomises such sentiment. The Reds have closed the gap to just six points, and they still have a game in hand over the leaders.
Top 4 contenders
No top 4 debate can now be had without the mention of Arsenal. The Gunners have turned things around under Mikel Arteta. The club were once struggling in the bottom half of the table, but now find themselves in fourth spot.
And that is despite several distractions, primarily the departure of club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Arteta’s youngsters have, however, stepped up, with Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all scoring in the latest win over Watford.
Sunday’s game was most certainly an anomaly, with the Gunners used to being resolute at the back and barren in front of goal. But fans won’t be complaining, with the club moving ahead of Manchester United and into the top four.
Man Utd certainly won’t have given up on a Champions League place. But it was a damaging weekend for the Red Devils. They not only slipped out of the top four, but more importantly suffered humiliation at the hands of Man City.
Guardiola’s side stormed home to a 4-1 win to further dampen United’s spirits. Ralf Rangnick’s outfit remain on 47 points, and sit in fifth.
Also in contention are West Ham. They sit sixth with 45 points, just three off the top four. David Moyes has built a really impressive squad, and despite a poor run of form, the Hammers are more than capable of challenging for the top 4.
The outsiders
As always, there are a handful of clubs looking to upset the status quo. The opportunity was certainly there this season, but the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves look to have let it slip from their grasp.
Antonio Conte has certainly turned things around at Spurs. But losses to Burnley, Wolves and Southampton in February brought things to an abrupt halt. They currently sit seventh on 42 points.
Wolves meanwhile sit eighth on 40 points. Bruno Lage has done a fantastic job at Molineux, but a dismal run has seen the club lose their last three matches.
They’ve slipped down the standings, but are still in contention thanks to a strong defence. Only the top three clubs have a better defensive record this season.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
