"Can't see": Micah Richards makes Arsenal Premier League title claim after Man City draw

Former Premier League star Micah Richards believes Arsenal have the upper hand over Manchester City in the title race after the weekend’s results.

The Gunners picked up a fourth-straight league win after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal looked on course for a frustrating 0-0 draw against the Toffees before Viktor Gyokeres broke the deadlock in the 89th minute.

Max Dowman, who provided a fantastic cross in the lead-up, put the gloss on the result with a fabulous solo goal deep into stoppage time.

While Arsenal managed to beat the Toffees, Man City were unable to repeat the feat, drawing 1-1 on the road against West Ham United.

The Cityzens had several clear-cut chances during the closing stages, but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal. It simply was not their day.

Arsenal are currently nine points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table, but the latter still have a game in hand against Crystal Palace.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards has now said that he ‘can’t see’ Arsenal dropping points, having found a way to win games despite not playing well recently.

The former Man City defender added that the Cityzens have been dominating possession, but have not been finishing off scoring opportunities, which could be the difference in the title race.

He said: “I just can’t see Arsenal dropping them, because they just seem to get over the line. You are thinking it’s going to be a draw, and then something happens. A mistake from Pickford and they are back in the game, then they go and get another.

“I think that is a difference at the moment. Arsenal are not playing that well, but getting over the line. Man City are dominating the ball, but they are just not finishing off the opportunities, which is the difference at the moment.”

Arsenal handed Man City a big advantage last month after surrendering two valuable points against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Midlands outfit capitalised on a defensive mishap to score a late equaliser at the Molineux Stadium.

Questions were raised over Arsenal’s title credentials thereafter, but they have answered their critics in fine fashion with victories over Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton.

The Gunners have not been entirely convincing, but they have got over the line with three points, which is all that matters. They now have a handy nine-point cushion over the Cityzens at the top of the table. Pep Guardiola’s side are feeling the pressure instead with back-to-back draws.

Arsenal’s next league game is against Bournemouth at home on April 11, while Man City will be in action against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on April 12. The Gunners have a big chance to increase the lead.

The club’s immediate focus will turn to the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen tonight. They have everything to play for after a 1-1 draw at the BayArena.

After Leverkusen, Arsenal face Man City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. A first silverware in six years would provide a huge boost for the Gunners in the season run-in.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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