Micah Richards claims fixture change has harmed Arsenal in Premier League title race with Man City
Former Manchester City star Micah Richards has suggested that a crucial fixture change has given his old club an advantage in the Premier League title race, potentially damaging Arsenal's chances. Richards is backing City to secure their fourth consecutive title.
They currently trail league leaders Arsenal by just one point but have a game in hand over their rivals. The former City player fully expects Pep Guardiola's side to win their remaining three matches - away games at Fulham and Tottenham, followed by a home game against West Ham - to retain the trophy.
For a while, many predicted that City's clash with Spurs would be the decisive match in the title race, a game originally set for April 20. Before this date, Ange Postecoglou's in-form team had only lost one of their previous 11 games and were viewed as a potential stumbling block for Guardiola's side, especially considering their impressive record against City, having won two of their last six encounters.
However, the April 20 match was moved to Tuesday, May 14, when City made it to the FA Cup semi-finals. In the intervening month, Spurs' form has plummeted, reports the Mirror.
They've suffered four consecutive losses since April 13, conceding 13 goals in the process. As a result, many expect City to comfortably win, regardless of whether Arsenal triumph at Manchester United on Sunday and overcome Everton at home on the final day.
On The Rest is Football podcast, Micah Richards gave his take on the title race, with Arsenal eager to break their 20-year drought. He commented: "You look at City who have Spurs away as well, but the rest of those games you are thinking they will probably win. Spurs away, their record there is not that great in recent time; it's hotting up. But I just think Man City have the edge."
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"If Spurs had played Man City three weeks ago, City fans would have been a bit more nervous but Spurs are giving up too many goals. If they try and play that high line against Man City they're going to get absolutely battered. They are going to have to change a little." "It's going to be an interesting game but I think Man City have got too much. I think both Man City and Arsenal will win their remaining games even though we want to see a little bit of jeopardy."
