Arsenal handed major pre-Chelsea boost as Premier League title race takes fresh twist

Arsenal have been handed a major boost to their Premier League title aspirations this season, without them even yet kicking a ball this weekend.

Mikel Arteta and his team, who are due to meet London rivals Chelsea on Sunday afternoon (2pm), have certainly not had things their own way this season. Heading into the latest game week, the Gunners found themselves sixth in the top-flight table and seven points off the summit.

So far, Liverpool have been the side to beat this campaign. Under new guidance - with Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp this summer - the Reds have won eight out of their opening 10 matches this term to tot-up 25 points before their Saturday night showdown with Aston Villa.

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That was due to kick-off at 8pm with Manchester City getting down to business from 5.30pm. However, with City tipped to beat Brighton - despite form and injury concerns - Pep Guardiola could only watch on as his star-studded team let their one-goal advantage slip at the Amex Stadium to provide a welcome boost to their main title rivals.

Arsenal, who have pushed City all the way in the last two years before ultimately missing out on the big one, will now move to within two points of the champions if they overcome Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. Of course, they will also have a keen eye on Liverpool's game against Villa.

City have, quite staggeringly given their monstrous achievements under Guardiola in recent seasons, now slipped to four straight defeats in all competitions, including two in the Premier League. Norway striker Erling Haaland was on target for them at the Amex Stadium, before Joao Pedro and Matt O'Riley turned the tide.

Those goals from Brighton came in a five-minute burst not long from the end. It was an eye-catching result which, no doubt, would have been celebrated loudly from the Emirates Stadium and beyond in what was the latest twist in an early-Premier League title race which has far from followed the script, so far.