Why Is Manchester City Leading the Premier League if They Have the Same Numbers as Arsenal?

Today, Manchester City is leading the Premier League after their victory against Burnley, but they have the same points as Arsenal

An exciting conclusion is approaching

Esta Premier League puede decidirse por un solo gol si Arsenal y Manchester City ganan todos los partidos que les quedan por disputar hasta el final del campeonato. Y, por primera vez en 244 días, el equipo de Pep Guardiola se situó líder el pasado miércoles gracias a su triunfo por 0-1 contra el Burnley en Turf Moor.

The truth is that City now has the same points as Arsenal, 70, and the same goal difference, +37, with the same number of matches played, 33. But Guardiola's team is in first place because they have scored more goals so far in the championship (66 for City and 63 for Arsenal).

What is the first criterion for defining the first?

In the first tiebreaker criterion dictated by Premier rules, the goal difference, City and Arsenal are tied. It is the second criterion, the total number of goals scored, that gives the provisional lead to the 'citizen' team.

Possible cases for the end of the Premier

Arsenal will reclaim the top spot if they defeat Newcastle on Saturday, while City faces the FA Cup semifinal against Southampton (now in the Championship, the second tier of English football). Guardiola's team has a pending match against Crystal Palace on a date yet to be determined.

If the 'citizens' and 'gunners' were also tied in 'goals scored' at the end of the Premier, City would be the champion, as the next criterion is the results in direct confrontations. Let's remember that at the Emirates there was a 1-1 draw, and at the Etihad last Sunday, Guardiola's team won 2-1.

That would no longer be the case, but away goals in head-to-head matches are the fourth criteria dictated by Premier League rules, and if the tie were to continue, a playoff at a neutral ground. City's win over Arsenal on Sunday made those last two options impossible.