Arsenal to encounter Chelsea in key title challenge with struggling Tottenham under scrutiny
Premier League frontrunners Arsenal are set to meet London competitors Chelsea in a significant title examination on Sunday.
Manchester City could maintain their pursuit of Arsenal by securing victory against Leeds, whereas beleaguered Tottenham must avoid yet another harmful loss.
AFP Sport examines three key discussion points before this weekends fixtures:
Team discussion ignited Arsenals resurgence
Arsenal breathed new life into their faltering championship campaign following a players only gathering before their crucial 4-1 triumph over Tottenham on Sunday.
Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze each netted a brace in a dominant north London derby result, which occurred merely four days after Arsenal were unexpectedly held to a 2-2 stalemate against league basement dwellers Wolves.
The lost points at Molineux prompted doubts regarding Arsenals capacity to handle the championship pressure, and Mikel Artetas team addressed their concerns through intense discussions.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice noted that the players communicated with each other in a direct manner, resulting in a relieving win at Tottenham that restored a five point advantage over runners up Manchester City.
"Its vital at times to express your true thoughts and release everything within the squad," Gyokeres remarked prior to Chelseas arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
"The majority of us contributed. We all acknowledge varying emotions in the heat of the moment, gaining deeper insight into each others perspectives.
"Without candour, progress becomes challenging. It proved a beneficial conversation, and now we focus on gearing up for the major clash with Chelsea."
Resolute Manchester City commit to ongoing battle
Pep Guardiola has cautioned Arsenal that Manchester City shall never surrender in their bid for a seventh Premier League crown during his illustrious tenure.
Guardiola outfit prevailed 2-1 over Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, ensuring the titles fate remains within their control.
Even with Arsenal holding a five point edge, City possess an extra fixture and will welcome the Gunners in April.
Should City triumph in their remaining 11 encounters, they are assured the championship regardless of Arsenals outcomes in their final 10 matches.
"During my time at Spurs, after a 2-2 draw, someone suggested abandoning the Premier League for cup competitions. I replied, No, why not? Lets push forward and attempt it," Guardiola stated ahead of Cities journey to Leeds on Saturday.
"Numerous developments will arise. Never concede. Ten or eleven fixtures represent substantial action in the Premier League."
Tudor firm on Tottenhams survival prospects
Confronting the dire possibility of descending to the second division for the first instance since 1977-78, Tottenham urgently require halting their slide toward the Championship via a victory at Fulham on Sunday.
Igor Tudors debut as temporary manager concluded in a humiliating 4-1 setback versus fierce adversaries Arsenal, positioning Tottenham precariously merely four points clear of relegation danger.
Tottenham hold 11 opportunities to avert disgrace, yet Tudor faces obstacles from an extensive injury roster and a morale slump induced by the squads nine game drought without a win.
"Naturally, sufficient time exists to endure," Tudor affirmed.
"Remain modest, that serves as the essential for every one of us. Strive to embody what I mentioned earlier: a diligent unit. That stands as our sole objective presently."
Schedule
Friday
Wolves v Aston Villa (2000 GMT)
Saturday (1500 GMT unless noted)
Bournemouth v Sunderland (1230), Burnley v Brentford, Liverpool v West Ham, Newcastle v Everton, Leeds v Man City (1730)
Sunday (1400 GMT unless noted)
Brighton v Nottingham Forest, Fulham v Tottenham, Manchester United v Crystal Palace, Arsenal v Chelsea (1630)