Premier League title race scenarios explained after Man City thrash Brentford to keep up pressure on Arsenal at top

Manchester City thrashed Brentford 3-0 on Saturday to keep up the pressure on Arsenal in a thrilling Premier League title race. Arsenal currently have a slender two-point lead as they visit West Ham to play their third-last match of the league.

With three games remaining, Arsenal and City are now the only two sides that can win the league. Mikel Arteta's side has their fate in their own hands and, unless they falter, Pep Guardiola and his men cannot overtake the Gunners to win the title.

Below we look at the scenarios of how Arsenal and City can win the Premier League 2025-26.

Premier League latest standings

Mikel Arteta’s side sit at the top of the table with 76 points from 35 games and a goal difference of +41. Manchester City, after beating Brentford, trail on 74 points, also from 35 games, boasting a +40 goal difference.

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So, Arsenal are not just ahead on points but also on goal difference which will be the first tiebreaker in case both the teams finish on equal points. However, their lead on goal difference is just +1, which is even tighter than their lead on points.

How Arsenal can win Premier League?

In the most simple equation, Arsenal need to win all of their remaining three matches to win the title. In this case, the other results do not matter and they stay on the top of the table.

Even if Arsenal draw one of their remaining three matches and win the other two, City can only match their points tally. This will bring the goal difference into the picture.

However, if Arsenal lose any of their remaining matches, the heart of their fans could break as City will then have a chance to go to the top of the table.

How Man City can win Premier League?

As stated above, City's fate is not in their own hands. They can win all their three games and still finish second. Arsenal must drop at least two points, and ideally more, for City to climb ahead.

One thing Guardiola's side cannot afford now is any slip-up. They need to win all their matches and hope for Arsenal to collect only seven or fewer points from the last three matches.

If the scores are tied and the goal difference is also the same, their superior goal-scoring record will help them pip Arsenal to win the title.

Arsenal, City remaining fixtures

The Gunners have a relatively easier run-in in the final few matches of the season. They face West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace to close out the league. City, on the other hand, take on Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa in their last three fixtures.

Another factor that will make City's road to the title difficult is the fact that they still have the FA Cup final to play in between the Premier League. Arsenal also have a Champions League final but that is scheduled after the league ends.

So, Arsenal have a clear advantage on most counts and City will have to make a remarkable comeback to turn things around.