Arsenal handed Premier League title hope as Man City 115 charges 'disaster' point made

Manchester City will write their name in Premier League history on Sunday if they pip Arsenal to the title on the final day of the season.

Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta have locked horns once again this season at the pinnacle of English football but as was the case 12 months ago, City are within touching distance of being crowned champions for a fourth consecutive campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson's memorable Manchester United team managed three in a row but City and Guardiola have raised the bar in becoming a dominant force. If they beat West Ham this weekend, they will lift their sixth league title in seven years.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, victory over Everton on Sunday - which will be their 16th win in their last 18 - will not be enough and a similar feeling of 'close, but not close enough' will filter around the Emirates Stadium when City inevitably go ahead against the Hammers.

However, talk over the past week has geared up on City's controversial uncertainty. As is well documented, the Citizens have 115 Premier League charges hanging over their heads still.

The case is set to take place later this year, with chief executive Richard Masters confirming a date had been arranged. Unlike clubs like Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester - all of whom have been charged for breaching profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) - City face an array of allegations referring to the reporting of inaccurate financial figures, use of related parties and unaccounted managerial remunerations.

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The exact punishment that the Premier League will hand City, if they are found guilty by the independent commission, is unclear. However, it is thought they have the power to go as far as relegating clubs and stripping them of titles.

Arsenal's form over the last 24 months points towards a continued period at the top of the Premier League, even if they have to wait for Guardiola to leave Manchester before they win the league. However, there is a frustration over the manner that City have won so many league titles amid their ongoing legal minefield.

Jamie Carragher has insisted that he is baffled by City's continued reluctance to demand the verdict early, labelling the move a 'public relations disaster'. Writing in his column for The Telegraph, he said: "The foundations at the Emirates and Anfield were laid after a slow and steady rebuild with the clubs diligently abiding by the profit and sustainability rules designed to make it a fair race.

"City, as we know, remain under investigation for fast-tracking their way to the summit and have 115 charges pending related to the years 2009-2018.

"The club takes much displeasure in this being referenced, especially when they are the threshold of more success. They know the time taken to deal with this matter is an embarrassment for them and the Premier League. The charge sheet is so huge, it has created a legal minefield with the club disputing each allegation.

"I would love to know how City’s owners, or those advising them, feel about the issue dragging on while the team prepares to win its fourth consecutive Premier League on the back of last year’s Treble. They must appreciate it is a public relations disaster.

"Guardiola should be celebrated for his genius by neutrals as well as City fans. But whether he and his club likes it or not, City will never escape the shadow of those allegations until they are dealt with, the years of legal wrangling still preventing the club from clearing its name.

"That is what baffles me about the whole sordid affair. When accusations are made against any individuals or institutions who have absolute certainty in their innocence, you would usually expect the demand of those involved to arrange a hearing at the earliest opportunity. Where is the statement from City expressing frustration or fury that the process is taking so long?

"Kicking the can down the road means too many insults are being directed at a brilliant manager and his extraordinary team – none of whom will have a clue about how the club was operating in those years under suspicion.

"Guardiola deserves better than lifting his sixth Premier League under such a cloud. As a manager, a coaching and technical staff and a fantastic squad, Manchester City should be acclaimed for being one of the best football teams there has ever been.

"As a club? I’d like to say the jury is out. Unfortunately, we have waited too long for a jury, or Premier League commission, to even begin to consider that verdict."