Manchester City looking ominous as Premier League climax nears
MANCHESTER - Manchester City are in ominous form as the champions chase a fourth successive Premier League crown.
Leaders Arsenal face a stern test of their title credentials in the north London derby at top four hopefuls Tottenham, while Sheffield United are on the brink of relegation.’Frightening’ Man City make statement
Phil Foden issued a warning to Manchester City’s title rivals after the champions’ “frightening” attack inspired a vital 4-0 demolition of Brighton.
Pep Guardiola’s side could not afford to slip up at the Amex Stadium on Thursday as they try to overhaul Arsenal in the title race.
And City rose to the challenge as Kevin De Bruyne’s header put them in front before Foden netted twice in the first half.
Julian Alvarez added the fourth after the break to end his goal drought as second placed City climbed within one point of Arsenal.
City have a game in hand over both Arsenal and third placed Liverpool, who are two points adrift of Guardiola’s men after their damaging loss at Everton on Wednesday.
The Etihad Stadium club will be champions yet again if they win their last five games, starting at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
“In the first half it was frightening the way we attacked,” said Foden, while De Bruyne added: “I trust my team obviously, all respect to Arsenal and Liverpool because they are amazing.”
Arsenal must win at bitter rivals Tottenham for a second consecutive season to keep City at bay, while Liverpool take their spluttering challenge to West Ham.
With Tottenham facing a tricky task against Arsenal, Aston Villa have a golden opportunity to cement their grip on fourth place when they host troubled Chelsea.
Villa are six points clear of fifth placed Tottenham, who have two games in hand in the battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
A win for Unai Emery’s men on Saturday evening and a loss for Tottenham would take Villa within touching distance of a first European Cup campaign since 1982-83.
The prospect of plundering a Chelsea defence breached five times by Arsenal on Tuesday will be all the incentive Villa striker Ollie Watkins needs to extend his hot streak.
Watkins has 19 league goals this term -behind only joint top-scorers Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer -- and is also the top-flight’s leading assist provider with 12.