How Premier League standings without Manchester City would look like as Arsenal awaits an important decision
Arsenal supporters must be perplexed by the current situation.
Their frustratingly predictable 1-0 loss to Everton on Merseyside in the early kickoff was supposed to be the momentum-swinging game. A little over twenty-four hours later, the panic was averted.
Tottenham helped their fierce rivals by defeating Pep Guardiola’s squad 1-0, preventing Manchester City’s unstoppable winning streak from commencing or facing any real threat.
A day later, there is chaos in Manchester but relative tranquility at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners can only watch as the Premier League charges their closest rivals with more than 100 violations of financial regulations.
The potential punishments are numerous. There are rumors, which are largely speculative at this point, that not only could points be deducted — potentially helping Arsenal’s bid to win the league — but expulsion from the league could also occur.
Piers Morgan, a prominent Arsenal supporter, has already called for immediate punishment in the form of points deductions for this season, whereas Jamie Carragher is more skeptical.
The future is uncertain due to the four-year investigation revealing numerous alleged violations spanning six years, during which City won four league titles.
The Times’ Martyn Ziegler writes that the defending champions have welcomed a review but may not be able to appeal any final decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Despite the uncertainty, some Arsenal supporters have already considered what it could mean for the club.
Even though Mikel Arteta has a five-point lead and a game in hand over Guardiola’s squad, his chances of winning the championship could improve.
In a world in which City were expelled from the league and their results erased, Arsenal’s gap to second-placed Newcastle would be an enormous 11 points.
In addition, they wouldn’t have to face City twice, which are the current obstacles standing between Arsenal and Premier League immortality.
Depending on how a league table of 19 teams was arranged, Brighton would be just two points behind the top four and have a game in hand over Tottenham, while Liverpool would be in the bottom half.
How Premier League standings without Manchester City would look like as Arsenal awaits an important decision
