
<p>Bayern Munich collected its 11th consecutive <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/bundesliga-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bundesliga</a> title after a thoroughly incredible matchday on Saturday where Borussia Dortmund entered with the lead. The German giants beat Koln 2-1, while <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/borussia-dortmund-tv-schedule/">Borussia Dortmund</a> was only able to collect a draw against Mainz. These results saw Bayern leapfrog BVB to narrowly triumph in the German league.</p>



<p>Dortmund entered the day holding a two-point advantage over its rivals prior to Saturday, but <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern</a> held the far better goal difference. This meant that if Bayern beat Koln, Dortmund also had to win. However, BVB could have still won the title even with a loss, as long as they had help from Koln.</p>



<h2>Bavarians move ahead just eight minutes into match</h2>



<p>The reigning German champions got off to a fast start with a goal in the eighth minute of its match. Kingsley Coman put his club ahead with a stunning strike from the edge of the Koln box. The Frenchman received a pass from Leroy Sane on the flank, shifted inside, and hit a beautiful curling shot passed the goalkeeper. It was his eighth Bundesliga goal of the campaign and certainly the most important.</p>



<p>Things soon went from bad to worse for Dortmund. The BVB went down 1-0 only minutes after the Coman goal. Andreas Hanche-Olsen squeezed in a header from a difficult angle to give Mainz the lead. Dortmund, however, had the chance to quickly grab a goal back through a penalty shot. Nevertheless, Sebastian Haller saw his effort saved to keep the scoreline 1-0 to Mainz. It was Haller’s first penalty shot of the season for the club.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The atmostphere inside the Signal Iduna Park 👀<br><br>Can Dortmund rally? <a href="https://twitter.com/archiert1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@archiert1</a> <a href="https://t.co/GIvLYjMqzv">pic.twitter.com/GIvLYjMqzv</a></p>— ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNPlus/status/1662468655127625728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Mainz then doubled the unexpected lead against BVB a few minutes later. Karim Onisiwo somehow found himself free inside Dortmund’s box and put another header passed Gregor Kobel. The keeper was able to get hands on the shot, but the ball squirmed through off of the post and across the line. It was a disastrous first half for the BVB.</p>



<h2>Bayern and Dortmund flip-flop in Bundesliga title race</h2>



<p>With Bayern still ahead midway through the second half, Dortmund gave themselves a bit of hope with a goal in the 69th minute. Raphael Guerreiro hit a well-placed shot off of the post and into the net after linking up with substitute Gio Reyna. The goal gave BVB a lifeline in its title dreams. They would, however, still need to score two more goals or hope Koln pulled one back against Bayern.</p>



<p>Things got even more interesting after officials awarded Koln a penalty with a mere 10 minutes to play. Serge Gnabry was judged to have handled the ball inside the box. Dejan Ljubičić stepped up and <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1662478072250245122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">converted the spot kick</a> to level the scoreline. If this result stood, Dortmund would win the Bundesliga title regardless of the result against Mainz.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, Jamal Musiala scored to put Bayern back in front with just one minute remaining on the clock. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What an incredible ending to the Bundesliga title race. So entertaining, right down to the final seconds. This is what it&apos;s all about. Winning a title on goal difference where every game matters during the entire season. <a href="https://t.co/0NnxMhaZJ0">pic.twitter.com/0NnxMhaZJ0</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1662482370052726786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The German international collected the ball at the edge of Koln’s box and fired a low strike into the back of the net. The goal would eventually turn out to be the title-winning shot for the German giants.</p>



<p>Haller would level the scoreline against Mainz late in added time, but it wouldn’t be enough. Dortmund and Bayern ended the season level on points, but Bayern topped its rivals on goal differential.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ANP</em></p>


Bayern Munich picked up its eleventh consecutive Bundesliga title after edging Koln while Borussia Dortmund dropped points.

Bayern tops Dortmund to Bundesliga title after thrilling matchday


<p>Manchester City beat <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> 4-1 on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium in one of the most anticipated fixtures in the recent history of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Premier League</a>. Before the game, the two teams had managed to lose just seven of a combined 62 English top-flight matches this season. </p>



<p>Arsenal entered the night five points clear of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">City</a> in the standings.  However, the Gunners have played two extra matches compared to their foes. Arsenal also stubbled into Manchester, as they failed to record a league win in each of their previous three matches. That included a brutal <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/southampton-withstands-arsenal-onslaught-to-get-draw-20230421-WST-429529.html">3-3 draw against bottom-of-the-table Southampton</a>. City, on the other hand, had only dropped points in the league once since early February.</p>



<h2>De Bruyne the catalyst for City over Arsenal in Premier League decider</h2>



<p>The hosts went ahead early in the game thanks to a solo goal by Kevin De Bruyne in the seventh minute. Erling Haaland, typically the team’s dynamic goalscorer, won an aerial duel against Rob Holding and neatly placed a pass to his Belgian teammate. </p>



<p>De Bruyne then dribbled down the pitch and slotted passed a diving Aaron Ramsdale from outside of the box. The Arsenal keeper may be disappointed to be beaten from long range without much pace on the ball. It was De Bruyne’s seventh career Premier League goal against the Gunners.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE CHAMPIONS STRIKE FIRST!<br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCIARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCIARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/UjokfdUCqh">pic.twitter.com/UjokfdUCqh</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1651303088114761734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>After peppering Ramsdale’s goal for most of the first half, City doubled their lead just before the halftime break. John Stones latched on to a free kick into the Arsenal box with a header to beat Ramsdale. The goal was originally ruled out for offside, but VAR intervened to make the correct call. Replays showed Ben White actually played Stones onside when De Bruyne delivered the ball.</p>



<p>The dynamic duo of Haaland and De Bruyne linked up once again in the 54th minute to add another goal for City. De Bruyne picked up a loose ball in the middle of the pitch and found Haaland racing toward goal. The superstar striker then once again gave the ball back to his midfield teammate near the Arsenal box. De Bruyne ultimately placed a low shot through Rob Holding and by Ramsdale.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A brace for De Bruyne &amp; Manchester City are cruising! <br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCIARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCIARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/1EqnoqBSZ1">pic.twitter.com/1EqnoqBSZ1</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1651319928538972163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Holding would pull a goal back for the visitors with four minutes remaining in the game. Substitute Leandro Trossard made a quality run into City’s box before being stripped of the ball. Nevertheless, Holding pounced on the opportunity and fired a shot into the back of the net. It was only the defender’s second career Premier League goal.</p>



<h5>Haaland breaks modern EPL scoring record</h5>



<p>Haaland would finally <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1651330733565263873" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get his goal</a> deep into added time. Despite the match result already being taken care of, the goal would be a significant one. Haaland now has 33 Premier League goals this season. This breaks the 38-game Premier League single-season scoring record previously held by Mohamed Salah.</p>



<p>The victory now gives City control of their destiny in the Premier League. City can even lose an English top-flight match and still be in control of the title race. The loss will certainly sting Arsenal and put a major dent in their quest for a title, but the north London club has at least qualified for a Champions League spot for the first time since a runner-up finish in 2015/16.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


Manchester City dominated Arsenal at home on Wednesday night to provide a clear path to the Premier League title for a third-straight season.

Man City closes in on Premier League title with win over Arsenal

destacadas

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>Pep Guardiola’s title-decider selections are causing the Spaniard headaches.</p>
<p>Manchester City hosts Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. For the home side, it could decide the Premier League title, which would be City’s fourth in the last five seasons.</p>
<p>Despite sitting atop the Premier League after 37 rounds, Guardiola’s usual selection second-guessing reappeared in the last few weeks.</p>
<p>Manchester City’s elimination from the FA Cup in a <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/16/quadruple-chasing-liverpool-reach-fa-cup-final-ending-man-citys-treble-bid/">semifinal loss to Liverpool</a> with a heavily rotated squad began the clamoring among some City supporters. This chattering intensified after Guardiola went defensive in the late stages of the UEFA Champions League Semifinal. A second-leg collapse against Real Madrid extended City’s wait for European glory.</p>
<p>This Sunday, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> face a do-or-die test at home against Aston Villa. City must win to secure the Premier League title. If Liverpool drop points hosting Wolves, then a win is not <em>necessary</em>. However, the City camp likely treats this fixture as a must-win scenario.</p>
<p>That sentiment arose following a <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/15/man-city-comeback-keeps-title-in-their-hands-tottenham-into-top-four/">2-2 draw against West Ham</a> on matchday 37. That game, the Sky Blues trailed 2-0 at halftime, scrapping out a point.</p>
<p>Entering the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/13/premier-league-2021-22-championship-sunday/">final matchday</a>, Manchester City desperately clings to a tenuous lead atop the Premier League. Guardiola opted to not make any changes during the second half of the comeback against West Ham United on Sunday. Rather, he stuck with an XI for 90 minutes that did not include Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden or lkay Gündoğan.</p>
<p>Guardiola is a manager whose pedigree and record are unassailable. Even then, he battles two persistent critiques in his style.</p>
<ul>
<li>He overthinks tactics in big matches.</li>
<li>He is reluctant to make changes in-match when his side is up against it. Instead, he tinkers around with the side on the pitch.</li>
</ul>
<h5>Pep’s Tactical Tinkering</h5>
<p>The first critique, which is the most persistent among non-Manchester City supporters, did not rear its head as much this season. That is, at least, up until this point in the season.</p>
<p>Could this trend, which took the media by storm following the Champions League Final loss in 2021, happen again on Sunday? Despite the similarity in the scenario, there is not a chance this habit comes up.</p>
<p>This season, Guardiola’s tactics are much more conventional, particularly regarding squad decisions. Part of that owes itself to the lack of a pure No. 9. Plus, the superior play of Rodri as a holding/box-to-box midfielder made decisions easier. As a result, City’s setup developed into something more rigid. Pep’s tactics allow the club to continue fighting for trophies at the highest level despite having less depth than in the past.</p>
<h5>Pep’s aversion to substitutions</h5>
<p>The second critique showed up again in the second half of Sunday’s 2-2 draw versus West Ham United. Why exactly did Guardiola opt to not use a single substitution? Why is it that, time and time again, Guardiola takes substitutions home with him in matches crying out for a change?</p>
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">New <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/MCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCFC</a> kits are pretty sweet. Have an early 70’s vibe, which was one of the great eras in City history. Can see Bell, Summerbee, Lee, Oakes, etc in these. First kits in years I could say that about!!! <a href="https:\/\/t.co/C4S1L9uEIr">pic.twitter.com/C4S1L9uEIr</a></p>
<p>— Kartik Krishnaiyer 🇺🇸 🇺🇦🌻 (@kkfla737) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/kkfla737/status/1527298605253468161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></p></blockquote></div>
<p><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>To Guardiola, passages of play and how shape and spacing look on the pitch are the key to everything. Repeatedly, while chasing matches from behind or trying to hold leads, Guardiola kept the same shape with the same players. He did not want to lose any of the edge Manchester City has or builds in a certain game. Guardiola’s tinkering to protect a lead at the Bernabeu two weeks ago led to disaster.</p>
<p>Contrarily, his unwillingness to change the side trailing 2-0 at the half against West Ham almost paid off. A saved penalty off the boot of Riyad Mahrez almost got City an enormous three points.</p>
<h3>Pep Guardiola’s title-decider selections</h3>
<h5>Foden or Jesus?</h5>
<p>Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and lkay Gündoğan did not play against the Hammers. Does that mean they are likely to miss out Sunday?</p>
<p>No, it does not.</p>
<p>However, in all likelihood, only Foden will start. He replaces Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI as the false 9. Foden’s movement and ability to drift to the left is useful. Yet, dropping Jesus, who is on outstanding form as of late, would be a tough call.</p>
<h5>Grealish or Sterling?</h5>
<p>One recent development for City is Jack Grealish. The club’s most expensive signing in history is starting to show some of the promise City expected upon paying <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/jack-grealish/transfers/spieler/203460">$130 million</a>. Consequently, Raheem Sterling is no longer a lock in the starting XI on Pep’s left side.</p>
<p>Grealish’s play not only improved of late. The entire side seems more comfortable playing through him coming off the left.</p>
<p>Against his former side, Grealish likely matches up with Matty Cash, a player whose surging runs forward require close marking. Can Jack Grealish maintain his defensive liabilities against an offensive wing back? Sterling certainly would. His defensive prowess does not receive nearly enough credit.</p>
<p>Sterling’s experience in major games like this could serve well for Manchester City. However, the choice is likely Grealish, especially based off of recent form. Of course, Sterling is also a likeable selection given everything outlined above.</p>
<h5>What about Gündoğan?</h5>
<p>As for the midfield, Rodri has been outstanding all season. On the other hand, Ilkay Gündoğan is probably the better attacking option.</p>
<p>Various problems among City’s backline dictate that Rodri plays in his usual role. Plus, Bernardo Silva, who is underrated at tracking back and winning the ball, retains his spot. Should City need a goal late, expect Gündoğan to come on. Rodri likely slots back into that central defense in that hypothetical scenario.</p>
<p>In terms of Rodri’s play, he’s proven to be a unique player in the Premier League this season. His passing ability rivals that of Declan Rice or Jorginho. Combine this with an uncanny ability to win back the ball and recycle the possession. Rodri is a special character for Pep Guardiola’s needs.</p>
<h5>Fernandinho to start or sit?</h5>
<p>As a midfielder, club captain Fernandinho may seem slightly out of place filling in for the injured Rúben Dias in central defense. Personal preference says that Fernandinho deserved his final game after nine seasons at the Etihad to be something of a sendoff. Unfortunately, circumstances dictate he starts out of position.</p>
<p>Nathan Aké’s uptick in form this season is noticeable. The Dutchman could fill in as a left back or left cente-back. Pep Guardiola’s title-decider selection is likely Fernandinho. This is despite the clear warning signs picked up on during the West Ham game. Jared Bowen and West Ham continuously got in behind the City back line. Plus, distribution out of the back from Manchester City was suspect.</p>
<p>Negating runs from Ollie Watkins as well as the potential threat of Danny Ings (should he start) will be a handful for City. These sorts of matches against pacey sides were struggles for Manchester City before the signing of Dias. With the Portuguese out, this problematic issue returns.</p>
<p>Kyle Walker’s injury proved to be less of a concern than originally thought. João Cancelo’s move to Walker’s normal right back position coincided with&nbsp; Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko playing his best football in three seasons. Zinchenko’s play as a left back, oftentimes inadequate in the past, stood out in the last three league matches.</p>
<h5>Does City get the job done?</h5>
<p>Aston Villa has been underwhelming of late. Ultimately, Manchester City probably win. However, it is indisputably a tense day, particularly given a focus on Pep Guardiola’s title-decider selections.</p>
<p>City faces a tougher test than Liverpool on Sunday. The Reds catch an injury-plagued Wolves side on at Anfield. If City drop points, Liverpool will win the title.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images</em></p>


Entering City's final matchday against Aston Villa, Pep Guardiola's title-decider selections come under the microscope in a major game again.

Pep Guardiola’s title-decider selections a major challenge for City - World Soccer Talk

Pep Guardiola’s title-decider selections a major challenge for City

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>The season brought no trophies to Anfield… Manchester United tied the league title record…&nbsp; The big money summer signing proved a flop… Seven miserable home draws… Mid-season position squandered… Lengthy injuries to the big guns…</p>
<p>And Liverpool still had&nbsp; an outstanding season. Their best in 19 years.</p>
<p>If Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, they’ll finish no more than four points below United. This would be the closest they’ve come since 1990 when the Reds last won the league. Apart from 2002, when they finished seven points behind Arsenal, the title has generally been far from Liverpool’s sights by season’s end.</p>
<p>The fact they were still in the race two weeks from the end speaks volumes.</p>
<p>82 is Liverpool’s highest premier league points tally before this season. The Reds are already a point ahead of that number. If they can finish with 86, there’s every reason to think title number 19 will be on its way to Anfield in the near future.</p>
<p>Despite the quickness of pundits to jump on Rafael Benitez who has yet to bring the league title back to Anfield, the Spaniard has made substantial improvements to his club each season he’s been in charge.</p>
<p>Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Pepe Reina, Daniel Agger, Fernando Torres are all among the outstanding players to have come in under Benitez’s watch. Sure, he’s had his occasional Antonio Nunez, and Robbie Keane’s failure to live up to his price tag won’t soon be forgotten. But on the way to glory, there are always bumps in the road.</p>
<p>The Liverpool side that took to the pitch again and again (the oft criticized rotation policy having been dialed down this season) showed their merit throughout the year. Despite the jaw-dropping draws (how did they finish level with Stoke City… twice???), Liverpool’s dominance over big sides hasn’t been witnessed like this in decades.</p>
<p>They did an impressive double over Chelsea and Real Madrid and came from behind twice to secure all six league points against Manchester United (including a 1-4 demolition at Old Trafford) and schooled the league’s most promising up-and-comers, Aston Villa, 5-0 at Anfield.</p>
<p>A post-Christmas rut saw Liverpool slip from top place. And many neutrals and outsiders will recall Rafa Benitez’s ‘rant’ against his frustrations with Alex Ferguson’s modus operandi as a marker of the Liverpool turning point. But nothing can distract from the fact that Liverpool have gotten better and better each season under Benitez and from finishing this season on at least 83 points, probably in second place, Liverpool don’t have much farther to climb.</p>
<p>There’s nowhere left to go but the top.</p>
<p>Benitez doesn’t have boundless funds to spend this summer. But if he’s savy in the transfer market. He won’t need them. Liverpool don’t need many changes. The side’s failure to break down ten-men-behind-the-ball sides is what led to the series of draws that cost them the title. But this can be combatted with a change in tactics. There’s no need to overhaul a side that can beat United, Chelsea and Madrid.</p>
<p>Rumors of Xabi Alonso’s departure should turn out to be merely rumors. They better. £18m or whatever the Spanish midfielder is valued at this week is not enough to say goodbye to his vision and prowess. His ability to see the whole pitch and know where to slot that pass to put Gerrard, Torres or whoever in on goal is priceless. And neither Gareth Barry nor David Silva are worth the sacrifice.</p>
<p>Benitez knows his side needs a little tweaking.</p>
<p>And maybe all it will take next season is not drawing twice against Stoke City to finally bring that title home.</p>


Disappointing Season For Liverpool Is Their Best In 19 Years - World Soccer Talk

Disappointing Season For Liverpool Is Their Best In 19 Years

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>Arsenal have just one defeat in the league this season – shoddy solace for a third-place finish.</p>
<p>The Gunners have played four Premier League matches since Feb 11.&nbsp; Though maintaining their ever crucial unbeaten streak, they have dropped eight points to Manchester United, who are now level on points, ahead on goal difference and have the integral game in hand.</p>
<p>In that four match span, Arsenal lead for just 35 min out of a possible 360 (all against Birmingham on Feb. 23) and have saved themselves twice with late equalizers.&nbsp; Once is heroic.&nbsp; Multiple times turns into disturbing deja vu.</p>
<p>Arsenal were unlucky against the Boro.&nbsp; Adebayor had a legitimate goal ruled offside in the first half.&nbsp; They missed out on a penalty with Pogatetz hooking Eboue’s arm and pulling him down in the area – acceptable because he waved his arms like a buffoon afterward. &nbsp; Fabregas had a close shaves with a shot and a header.&nbsp; Eboue and Clichy also had excellent matches, muted by their inability to capitalize.</p>
<p>The Gunners may have squeaked a win on a different day, but the result stands.&nbsp; If they were ruthless previously against lesser opposition, this result might have been meaningless.&nbsp; But, with the profligacy of recent weeks, it may cost Arsenal the title.</p>
<p>The squad is still thin, with a lack of depth and natural width.&nbsp; Their only consistent scoring threat of late has been Fabregas, which is not ideal.&nbsp; Robin Van Persie has not returned to an adequate level of fitness.&nbsp; Adebayor has looked disinterested and off-kilt at best, lazy and languid at worst.&nbsp; The others lack the conviction to shoot consistently.</p>
<p>The same tactical problems persist.&nbsp; Walcott has proved far more effective as a center forward, yet continues to be thrust out on the right.&nbsp; Bendtner cannot play up front with Adebayor because it is pointless having two tall link-up target men who like to drift to the left – not because of their two-man tiff.&nbsp; Problems which Wenger has failed to solve.</p>
<p>In the words of Tim Gunn, Wenger has “spent too much time in the Monkey House.”&nbsp; He has an incredible eye for talent, but is sometimes prone to endowing too much faith and responsibility in his coveted harem of young studs.</p>
<p>That was also the easy stretch for Arsenal.&nbsp; They still must travel to Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford.&nbsp; They also have three grinding fixtures in one week with Liverpool.&nbsp; United, conversely, play five of their eight remaining fixtures at home, with no tough away matches.&nbsp; Chelsea as well, three points behind and a game in hand, have a relatively easy schedule and face both Arsenal and United at home.</p>
<p>Four weeks ago Arsenal controlled their fate.&nbsp; Now they face the prospect of must-win matches away at Manchester United and away at Chelsea.&nbsp; Even with those victories, they still need a perfect record and a gift from Manchester United to snag the title.&nbsp; The best chance they have is a long overdue metatarsal injury.</p>
<p>The English media has portrayed the recent run as a display of Arsenal’s mettle, when, in fact, it is mere window-dressing for a drowsy decline.&nbsp; The fight is far from over, but Arsenal’s slow leak today became a breach – one that may prove fatal.</p>


ALL POSTS TAGGED "Title"

Bayern Munich

Bayern tops Dortmund to Bundesliga title after thrilling matchday

Arsenal

Man City closes in on Premier League title with win over Arsenal

Leagues: EPL

Pep Guardiola’s title-decider selections a major challenge for City

General

Disappointing Season For Liverpool Is Their Best In 19 Years

General

Are Arsenal's Title Ambitions Dead in the Water?