ARSENAL and Man City could end up deciding the Premier League title in a dramatic play-off if they can’t be separated by the end of the season.
The unlikely scenario would only be possible if the two rivals draw 1-1 at the Etihad in their crucial title decider on Sunday.
They would also have to be level on points, goal difference, goals scored.
The teams drew 1-1 in the reverse game at the Emirates in September.
If the same result is repeated this weekend – which would put Arsenal in a commanding position – they would be level on points and away goals in head to head games.
Arsenal are six points ahead of City, but their rivals have a game in hand to play.
The Gunners are currently three goals better off than City on goal difference with 38 to their 35.
City, meanwhile, have scored one more goal than Arsenal after netting 63 to their 62.
If the pair are still level pegging on all deciding factors after 38 games, they will have to play a nerve-shredding play-off tie at a neutral venue.
SCENARIO THAT COULD FORCE ARSENAL VS MAN CITY PLAY-OFF TIE
The following results would leave both teams on 80 points 74 goals scored and 30 conceded after two 1-1 draws
Man City 1-1 Arsenal
Burnley 0-3 Man City
Arsenal 2-2 Newcastle
Arsenal 1-1 Fulham
Everton 0-1 Man City
Man City 2-0 Brentford
West Ham 1-1 Arsenal
Bourneouth 1-2 Man City
Arsenal 4-0 Burnley
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
Man City 2-0 Aston Villa
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It is a far more likely outcome that the title will be decided on goal difference.
Manchester United and Newcastle were nearly forced to face off in a play-off game in the 1995-1996 season as their title race went to the wire.
And a selection of tickets had even been printed off for the game as officials prepared for the outcome.
The game was slated to take place at Wembley Stadium with a 7:30pm kick off in midweek.
But Sir Alex Ferguson‘s United ended up edging Newcastle to the title by four points.
In the 2023-24 season, Arsenal finished just two points behind City in an agonising finish despite picking up an impressive 89.
And they ended up five points behind Pep Guardiola‘s men in the 2022-23 campaign.
Arsenal come into their defining match against City off the back of a painful 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth last week.
City, meanwhile, enjoyed a 3-0 romp at Chelsea to reduce the gap at the top and they still have a game in hand to play against Crystal Palace this season.
Arsenal are desperate to hold on to their lead to secure their first Premier League title win since 2004.
