Premier League
Eight reasons why Manchester United can beat Man City in Premier League fixture
Manchester United make the short trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon to lock horns with Manchester City as big underdogs
Manchester United are looking to defy the odds and disrupt Manchester City’s Premier League title charge when they travel to the Etihad Stadium this afternoon (Sunday, 4.30pm kick off UK time).
Currently 19 points behind Pep Guardiola’s side in the table, United are overwhelming underdogs ahead of the 187th competitive meeting between the two clubs. So while City are looking to retain their Premier League crown, United — despite splashing out more than £120million on world-class talent last summer — are facing a fight just to finish inside the top-four.
United will enter the contest off the back of a disappointing goalless draw with Watford last weekend and City will be targeting a third successive win after victories over Everton and Peterborough in the past week or so. With that in mind, United are not fancied to cause a stir and scoop all three points.
But whilst you may be thinking that United have no chance at all on Sunday afternoon, form can often fly out of the window on derby day. Furthermore, unexpected drama is almost certainly guaranteed in some capacity.
With that said, here are eight reasons why United’s supporters should have some optimism going into the game:
1. United’s Etihad record
Although City have dominated the football scene in Manchester in recent years, they have not had things all their own way when United have visited the Etihad of late. The Reds have won their last three visits in league and cup and won four of their last five on City territory.
That has to count for something. United have entered all of those contests as the lesser fancied team and risen to the challenge each and every time, either by grinding out an ugly 1-0 win or staging a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down.
As well as that, United, as ever, will be backed by a sold-out away end and they will make their voices heard, just as they did at both Elland Road and the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in recent weeks. The 12th man will be key.
2. The derby history
Anything can happen, right? Yes, City are currently flying high and are in a position that United can only dream about, but nothing can be ruled out on derby day.
As mentioned above, nothing can be taken for granted when these two meet and the form book, most of the time, is torn up and thrown into the nearest bin.
For instance, who would have thought that City would have turned up at Old Trafford in October 2011 to face an unbeaten United side in the Premier League so far that season and win 6-1? Nobody.
3. Tottenham have shown it isn’t impossible
With the utmost respect to Tottenham Hotspur, they have hardly set the world alight this season. Chasing the final Champions League spot, just like United, their fans travelled to the Etihad a fortnight ago no doubt anticipating another defeat against one of the big-six.
As mentioned above, nothing can be taken for granted when these two meet and the form book, most of the time, is torn up and thrown into the nearest bin.
For instance, who would have thought that City would have turned up at Old Trafford in October 2011 to face an unbeaten United side in the Premier League so far that season and win 6-1? Nobody.
3. Tottenham have shown it isn’t impossible
With the utmost respect to Tottenham Hotspur, they have hardly set the world alight this season. Chasing the final Champions League spot, just like United, their fans travelled to the Etihad a fortnight ago no doubt anticipating another defeat against one of the big-six.
However, in true, unexpected Premier League fashion, they produced an excellent away performance to win 3-2. Although they won it in dramatic fashion, and had just 29 per cent of the ball, they executed Antonio Conte’s approach to perfection.
United are capable of a similar performance.
4. United can replicate previous tactics
Although United’s plan to hit City on the break failed miserably at Old Trafford back in November, it will be different this time. United are away from home and opening up against City at the Etihad is a recipe for disaster, especially if Guardiola’s troops are firing on all cylinders.
With Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga all capable of carrying the ball at their feet with speed, United must look to hit City on the counter-attack. It may prove to be a waiting game, but as proven in their 2021 and 2019 triumphs, having more of the ball means nothing.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
On current form, it may sound foolish to suggest that Ronaldo can play a pivotal part in United’s attempts to bring City to their knees. However, a player of his stature and quality does not suddenly become a bad player overnight.
Experienced in playing in big matches, both domestically and in Europe, Ronaldo will be determined to leave his calling card — especially after failing to score in his last three games in all competitions. United will need to make the use of their wide players, however, to ensure he can produce his magic.
Crosses into the box will be key for him.
6. Anthony Elanga
Young. Fearless. Energetic. Elanga will be relishing his almost certain first taste of a Manchester derby.
Similar to when Rashford experienced this fixture for the first time in March 2016, Elanga is likely to be the player that United’s supporters will feast their eyes on in hope of inspiration. After scoring against Atletico and Leeds, confidence will be flowing through the winger’s veins.
He will be key in trying to help United hurt City on the counter-attack. As well as that, you can almost sense that his first derby day experience could feature a fairytale moment.
7. Ruben Dias’ absence
It is hard to spot a weakness at any juncture in City’s squad. However, the loss of Dias ahead of the derby is bound to be felt by the Blues.
It can surely only increase United’s chances of victory. So often the man that is the glue that holds City’s defence together, Dias will be sorely missed. But with John Stones likely to step in and line-up alongside Aymeric Laporte, City will remain strong, even if they’re not as strong as they would like to be.
8. Title race jitters
With Liverpool breathing down City’s neck at the top of the table, it is only natural that Guardiola’s side could experience some nerves. There is no room for error as far as the Blues are concerned and the defeat to Spurs showed that they can experience the odd setback.
-MEN
Premier League
Arsenal Paint London Red with Premier League Victory Parade Despite Champions League Heartbreak
Thousands of jubilant Arsenal supporters flooded the streets of north London on Sunday as the club celebrated its first Premier League title in 22 years, putting aside the disappointment of losing the UEFA Champions League final just 24 hours earlier.
The celebrations came less than a day after Arsenal suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest. Yet the setback did little to dampen the spirits of the club’s faithful, who turned out in huge numbers to honour a historic domestic triumph.
Players and coaching staff paraded through north London aboard an open-top bus, proudly displaying the Premier League trophy that Arsenal had finally reclaimed for the first time since Arsène Wenger’s legendary “Invincibles” side lifted it in the 2003-04 season.
Arsenal had wrapped up the title before the final round of fixtures after establishing an unassailable lead over defending champions Manchester City, who eventually finished seven points adrift of Mikel Arteta’s side.
The league crown marked Arsenal’s first major trophy since Arteta guided the club to FA Cup success in 2020 during his debut season as manager. It also ended years of frustration after the Gunners had finished runners-up in the Premier League in each of the previous three seasons.
Red flares, fireworks and the sound of vuvuzelas filled the air as supporters celebrated a long-awaited return to the summit of English football.
“We’re not European champions, but we are champions of England, and that’s what matters right now,” said Arsenal supporter Julien Guillenenat. “We’re happy to celebrate with everyone.”
Another fan, 44-year-old Mathieu Garnier, believes the Premier League triumph has finally removed the psychological burden that had weighed heavily on the team.
“Three years in a row we finished second, and now that pressure is gone,” he said. “These players are going to be flying next season. I really believe that.”
Adding to the festivities was Arsenal’s women’s team, who joined the celebrations after their successful FIFA Champions Cup campaign this season.
Midfielder Declan Rice, signed from West Ham United in 2023 for a club-record £105 million, said the title triumph had silenced many of the club’s critics.
“People were pointing and laughing at us before,” Rice told Sky Sports. “What happened? They’re not laughing anymore. I love this team, I love this manager, and to see the joy we’ve brought to the fans is incredible.
“Next season we’re coming back for more.”
Despite the pain of falling short in Europe, many Arsenal supporters remain optimistic that the club will soon challenge again for continental glory.
Twenty-two-year-old fan Theo Grant believes the Champions League disappointment will only strengthen the squad’s resolve.
“Honestly, this loss will give the players even more motivation,” he said. “We’ll be back. I believe we’ll reach the final again next season.”
For Arsenal supporters, however, Sunday was not about what might have been in Europe. It was about celebrating the end of a 22-year wait to be crowned champions of England once again.
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Tottenham Hotspur lost 2-1 at Chelsea on Tuesday and still face the risk of relegation from the Premier League in their final game of the season this weekend after goals either side of halftime from the home side’s Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos.
Fernandez let rip with a dipping shot from over 25 metres that Antonin Kinsky could not get close to in the 18th minute, electrifying the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge as the home fans revelled in the misery of their North London rivals.
The Argentina midfielder turned provider for Chelsea’s second goal in the 67th, cushioning a high ball into the feet of Santos, who scored from close range.
Richarlison got one back for Spurs in the 74th minute, but the defeat means Tottenham remain two points above West Ham United, who currently occupy the last relegation spot.
However, Spurs have a much better goal difference, meaning a draw at home to Everton on Sunday would all but guarantee their Premier League survival.
Chelsea, fresh from announcing former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso as their next manager after a limp 2025/26 campaign, climbed to eighth place, which offers a berth in the UEFA Conference League next season
The Blues, who lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, are one point behind Brighton & Hove Albion, who currently occupy the last of the Europa League spots.
Spurs had only themselves to blame for Tuesday’s defeat.
After Mathys Tel hit the post with a header in the 11th minute, they allowed Chelsea to dominate until Richarlison’s goal raised their hopes of rescuing the point they needed.
Substitute James Maddison looked sure to equalise in the 84th, but Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato stretched out a leg to block his angled shot.
The win was Chelsea’s first in the Premier League since March 4, giving their fans something to celebrate after a miserable run that included six consecutive league defeats.
It also means Spurs have only won once at Stamford Bridge since 1990.
-Reuters
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Arsenal F.C. have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City F.C. were held to a 1-1 draw by AFC Bournemouth, ending the most dramatic title race of recent seasons and completing a remarkable transformation under manager Mikel Arteta.
The title triumph marks Arsenal’s first league championship since the legendary “Invincibles” side led by Arsène Wenger went unbeaten throughout the 2003-04 campaign.
For Arteta, it represents the crowning moment of a rebuilding project that began when he replaced Unai Emery in December 2019. The Spaniard inherited a struggling Arsenal side but gradually rebuilt the club into genuine title contenders, guiding them to second-place finishes in each of the previous three seasons before finally ending Manchester City’s dominance.
Arsenal appeared in danger of suffering another late collapse after surrendering a nine-point lead earlier in the campaign, particularly following City’s crucial victory over them at the Etihad Stadium in April.
However, the momentum shifted again when City stumbled with a draw against Everton, allowing Arsenal to seize control of the race.
The North London club responded impressively, winning four consecutive matches without conceding a goal, including Monday’s tense 1-0 victory over Burnley F.C. that piled pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side heading into their trip to Bournemouth.
City’s failure to secure victory finally confirmed Arsenal as champions, triggering emotional celebrations among supporters gathered around the Emirates Stadium.
Fans watching the decisive match in nearby pubs poured onto the streets at the final whistle, while thousands more marched toward the Emirates within minutes of the title being secured.
Arteta had admitted before the match that he expected it to be difficult watching City’s game because of the enormous stakes involved, but the Spaniard ultimately witnessed the completion of one of the most significant managerial achievements in modern Arsenal history.
The Gunners will officially receive the Premier League trophy after their final game of the season against Crystal Palace F.C. at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Arsenal’s triumph could yet become part of an even greater achievement.
The club now have the opportunity to complete a historic double when they face Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the UEFA Champions League final on May 30.
Only five English clubs have previously managed to win both the league title and the European Cup in the same season, with Manchester City the last side to achieve the feat in 2023.
The title success also signals a changing of the guard in English football.
With Guardiola expected to leave Manchester City after a decade in charge, Arteta — once his assistant at City — is poised to become the longest-serving manager across England’s top four divisions, underlining how dramatically his status has risen since arriving at Arsenal less than seven years ago.
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