Gameweek 21 of the Premier League hosted one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season as Liverpool visited Etihad with an expectation of stretching the lead between them and Manchester City to 10 points. However, the Citizens had a different vigour about them and looked desperate from the word go. Eventually, the defending champions ran out as 2-1 winners reducing the gap to just four points and blew the title race open once again.
On the other hand, the rest of the top six except Chelsea won their respective games with United bagging their fourth victory in a row under the new manager. At the bottom, things are looking gloomy for Southampton, Fulham, and Huddersfield as all dropped points in their respective outings last time out.
The matchday 22 also hosts one of the glamours clashes as Spurs and United come face to face in what will be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first real test as caretaker boss. The game would also give Mauricio Pochettino a chance to lay down a marker against his potential future club. Apart from that, Arsenal would face West Ham in an all London derby whereas Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea have a pretty modest fixture on their hand.
Hence, without much ado, let's look at the three things which we can look forward to from this round of fixtures.
#3 A battle of supremacy in London
It would be unfair judging both sides based on their position in the league table as West Ham has enough quality in them to cause an upset at the London stadium. The likes of Marko Arnautović and Felipe Anderson are the most significant weapons Manuel Pellegrini has in his armoury which can disrupt any defensive shape.
Arsenal, on the other hand, would be worried about Manchester United who is gradually coming back to form and are now serious challengers for the fourth place. The strikers - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are in a tremendous form which gives Unai Emery's side an edge going into the game. However, the defence is still a worry for the Gunners which might be exploited this weekend again.
#2 First real test for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
The Norwegian won five of his first five games as the caretaker manager of Manchester United which is by no means a small feat. Solskjaer got appointed at a time when not only the results were not coming, but the morale hit rock bottom. The fans looked frustrated and were unsure of going into any game.
However, the mood has completely changed as the players look happy and playing more like the United way under the caretaker boss. The likes of Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, and Marcus Rashford are all coming to their groove which is a good sign for Red Devils going into the business end of the season.
The next match against Spurs would be the first massive test for Ole Gunnar as it would give him the chance to access his team and analyse where they currently lie concerning the top six in the Premier League.
A victory would not only boost morale, but it would be an ultimate preparation before the Champions League tie against Paris Saint Germain. With so much at stake, we are in for some entertainment at the Wembley.
#1 Will the gap at the top remain four points?
Liverpool looked like the team with the potential of finishing the season unbeaten and equalling Arsenal's invincibles record in the process. However, their closest title challengers, Manchester City had other plans as the defending champions put up one of their best performances of the season to not only close the gap to four points but gave the Reds a taste of defeat in the Premier League 2018-19 campaign.
The defeat followed by another loss to Wolves in the FA Cup means Jurgen Klopp's side would be under some pressure to get back to winning ways. The Reds travel to a struggling Brighton whereas Manchester City hosts an upbeat Wolves in the matchday 22.
Pep Guardiola's side thrashed Burton Albion in the EFL Cup and is expected to get a win against Wolves as well. Similarly, it should be a walk in the park for Kopp and his men at the Amex Stadium.