Premier League Champion Predictions: Is Arsenal Favorite After Manchester City Loss to Chelsea?
Chelsea defeated Manchester City to draw into a tie for second place. However, the big winner of the afternoon was Arsenal, who wound up with a two-point lead atop the Premier League. Now the team has complete control over its own destiny.
Can Arsenal hold on? The question might be answered as soon as Feb. 13. In the next two weeks, the team takes on two teams that could upset them tremendously. First up is Liverpool, a team Arsenal took down at home 2-0 back on Nov. 2. The team will not play on the road; Liverpool has a record of 10 wins, one loss and one draw at home thus far. The lone defeat came against Southampton back on Sept. 21. Since then, the team has won nine of 10 home games.
After that game, Arsenal takes on Manchester United, a team that defeated them 1-0 at Old Trafford. Fortunately, Arsenal will be home where the team has nine wins, two draws and one loss; the lone defeat came on the first day of the season against Aston Villa. Manchester United has six wins, two draws and four losses on the road.
Manchester City's loss at home puts the team in a precarious situation. Not only did it concede important points against a big rival, but it also lost points at home; City has a mediocre road record with six wins, two draws and four losses. The team will need to alter its road record if it has any hopes of keeping its championship hopes alive. Of course, City has to go to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal at a future date; Arsenal can play for a draw in this match, which would add to Manchester City's road woes.
Arsenal still has one game left against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge; Jose Mourinho's club may be the most dangerous contender to steal first place from Arsenal.