Over to you, Liverpool. The Reds know that they will have to beat Sheffield United in order to return to the top of the Premier League after Arsenal reached the summit, albeit possibly just temporarily, on Wednesday night.
Following on from Jurgen Klopp’s side being the ones to set the challenge to their rivals on Sunday, the table has shifted once more.
After securing a well-earned point at the Etihad Stadium against one of the most expensively assembled sides in top-flight history, it was a much more simple task for Mikel Arteta when Luton Town visited north London.
Arsenal completed a 2-0 win with relative ease, rarely needing to move up the gears at an emptier-than-usual and sleepy Emirates Stadium.
Leading by example, Martin Odegaard ensured that those who kept their place from the heavyweight title bout set the standards here again.
His goal opened proceedings after Rob Edwards’ side defended deeply but firmly in a resolute opening period.
The Hatters never truly looked like causing an upset though, reflecting why despite their spirit and resurgence, relegation still looks like the most likely outcome for them.
A fine Emile Smith Rowe performance on one of his flaunting outings helped secure the points before the break as he played a key role in Daiki Hashioka’s own goal right on half-time.
Luton came out determined not to lay down like Sheffield United and Burnley have at the feet of Arsenal, but struggled to ever make David Raya too worried about losing his clean sheet.
It leaves just eight more games to go until the title will be decided. Here, football.london takes a look at the next five for Arsenal domestically compared to their rivals and what is on the horizon.
Brighton (A) – Saturday, April 6
Arsenal prepared for this game in the best way possible. Declan Rice got a rest, so did Jorginho and even Jakub Kiwior.
Concern will remain over Bukayo Saka but his teammates did the job against Luton without him as expected.
Arteta should have his side fresh for a trip to the south coast against what is usually awkward opposition.
Brighton caused Liverpool problems at the weekend even if they didn’t put up much opposition in the reverse fixture for Arsenal.
Roberto De Zerbi’s men are immensely leaky at the back and this game doesn’t have the same threat it did last year. Entering the match in a confident mood, it’s a chance to lay down a key message.
Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, April 14
Unai Emery’s side will be keen to get one over Arsenal, especially after Tottenham continued to show chinks in their own armour on Tuesday with a draw to West Ham.
Spurs have left the top four door open to Villa and they will be in no mood to return the favour.
Arsenal have also been warned after losing the reverse fixture in the Midlands. Villa were unable to do Arsenal a favour as they conceded three second-half goals to lose 4-1 to City on Wednesday, once again exposing an increasingly fragile defence.
Wolves (A) – Saturday, April 20
Gary O’Neill’s side continued a mini-slump in recent weeks, only able to draw against Burnley on Tuesday.
It means it’s now three games without a win which may not be much but it followed a run of five in their previous seven.
Without their best attacking players available it does carry the same problems as the same game four weeks ago might have, but Molinuex has had some big results. This is prime banana skin territory.
Chelsea (H) – Tuesday, April 23
Chelsea are still quite a mess and there will be understandable shades of the comfortable 3-1 win in this game last year. Arsenal welcomed a struggling side with nothing to play for and cut them apart.
Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to bring more heart and spirit to north London here with the promise of impacting the title race. Arsenal have the wool over Chelsea right now though and the expectation will be that it continues here.
Tottenham (A) – Sunday, April 28
The same certainly cannot be said of travelling to Tottenham. Arsenal have a patchy record at Spurs in recent years and quite possibly will never have to battle against a team so willing to match them at their own game as this.
Ange Postecoglou’s fearless team will do all they can to disrupt Arsenal, playing on the atmosphere at home in one of the most early anticipated battles between these two sides for years. One not to miss.
Liverpool next five fixtures
Sheffield United (H) – Thursday, April 4
Manchester United (A) – Sunday, April 7
Crystal Palace (H) – Sunday, April 14
Fulham (A) – Sunday, April 21
Everton (A) – Wednesday, April 24
Manchester City next five fixtures
Crystal Palace (A) – Saturday, April 6
Luton Town (H) – Saturday, April 13
Brighton (A) – Thursday, April 25
Nottingham Forest (A) – Sunday, April 28
Wolves (H) – Saturday, May 4*
*Subject to change
