Defending champions Manchester City moved to the top of the table with their 3-1 victory at Arsenal on Wednesday night.
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The significance of the result is underlined by the fact it is only the third time in Premier League history that a second-placed team have beaten the leaders to go top in the second half of a season.
Encouragingly for Man City, both of the previous teams to win such a pivotal showdown went on to lift the trophy. Chelsea won at Manchester United in April 2010 and ultimately pipped their rivals by one point, while Man City beat Man Utd in April 2012 ahead of the Premier League's closest ever finish.
See: Arsenal v Man City - Second-half tweaks proved decisive
This time there are still three months of the campaign remaining. But with Arsenal due to visit Man City with six matches left, we could be heading for another April title decider.
Before then there will be plenty of twists and turns, so we look at what lies ahead and whether anyone can make it a three-horse race.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Man City
MCI
|
38 | +61 | 89 |
| 2 |
Arsenal
ARS
|
38 | +45 | 84 |
| 3 |
Man Utd
MUN
|
38 | +15 | 75 |
| 4 |
Newcastle
NEW
|
38 | +35 | 71 |
For the first time since 5 November, City are top of the Premier League.
The manner of their victory will give them a real boost and on paper their next five fixtures compare favourably to Arsenal's, with Pep Guardiola's team facing four of the league's bottom nine sides.
Man City visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday before facing AFC Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and West Ham United.
Title rivals' fixtures compared
| Matchweek | Man City | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | NFO (A) | AVL (A) |
| 25 | BOU (A) | LEI (A) |
| EVE (H) | ||
| 26 | NEW (H) | BOU (H) |
| 27 | CRY (A) | FUL (A) |
| 28 | WHU (H) | CRY (H) |
For Arsenal, the timing of their first home defeat of the season could not have been worse.
They have claimed only one point from their last three matches and their run of fixtures is challenging.
They are quickly back in action in Saturday's early kick-off, facing a tricky trip to Aston Villa and a reunion with their former manager Unai Emery, before taking on a resurgent Leicester City.
However, the Gunners still have their destiny in their own hands.
If they can stay in touch with City across their next two outings, they would have a chance to reclaim top spot when they play their match in hand at home to Everton on Wednesday 1 March.
That is followed by a home fixture against AFC Bournemouth on the same day as Man City face Newcastle United.
City's victory also bodes well for the other teams in the top four, with Arsenal failing to extend their lead at the top.
Manchester United are only five points behind the leaders, are in strong form and do not have to face either of the top two teams again this season.
Nonetheless, their next five fixtures will provide a stern test.
Erik ten Hag's side host a Leicester side who have scored four goals in successive matches, before travelling to Liverpool, either side of the EFL Cup final against Newcastle.
Man Utd then welcome Southampton before visiting two opponents with European ambitions: Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle.
Man Utd and Newcastle fixtures
| Matchweek | Man Utd | Newcastle |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | LEI (H) | LIV (H) |
| 25 | EFL Cup final | EFL Cup final |
| 26 | LIV (A) | MCI (A) |
| 27 | SOU (H) | WOL (H) |
| 28 | BHA (A) | NFO (A) |
| 29 | NEW (A) | MUN (H) |
Newcastle have been the toughest team to beat this season, having only lost once, and they are only five points behind Man Utd with a match in hand.
Their form has dipped, with only one win in their last six matches, and their next two Premier League fixtures are against Liverpool and Man City.
But if they can return to their best, their home league fixture against Man Utd at the start of April could be of great significance.
Whatever happens, the Magpies are set to have a big say in who wins the title.
Also in this series
Part 1: Haaland equals club record as City go top of the table
Part 2: Arsenal v Man City: Second-half tweaks proved decisive
Part 3: Guardiola: Arsenal are still top of the league
