The Premier League title could be decided on goal difference if plausible scenario plays out

The Premier League title could be decided on goal difference if a plausible scenario plays out in the final weeks of the season.

Arsenal are nine points ahead of nearest challengers Manchester City in the title race but on Saturday afternoon, they suffered a potentially significant setback after losing 2-1 at home to Bournemouth.

It is Arsenal's third defeat in four matches, a run of form that couldn't have come at a worse time as they prepare to face Sporting Lisbon and City in what is the most important week of their season to date.

Of course, the gap at the top of the Premier League remains at nine points, but Pep Guardiola's side have two games in hand over the Gunners.

They will also welcome Arsenal to the Etihad next Sunday (April 19), a game that could well decide who comes out on top when the season comes to a close.

So, how could the title be decided on goal difference?

Well, if Manchester City win all of their remaining eight games – including next week’s top-of-the-table clash – and Arsenal also win their other five fixtures, the Premier League title will be decided on whoever has scored the most goals.

At the time of writing, Arsenal have a +38 goal difference, while City are just six behind on +32.

The current Premier League standings.

Of course, the in-form Citizens could ramp up the pressure in the remaining weeks of the campaign.

They will take on Chelsea (A), Arsenal (H), Burnley (A), Everton (A), Brentford (H), Bournemouth (A), Aston Villa (H) and Crystal Palace (TBC).

City's home game against Crystal Palace, which was scheduled for the penultimate weekend in March, was postponed because of the club's participation in the Carabao Cup final. The fixture is yet to be rearranged.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have a tough run of fixtures ahead.

After taking on City next week, they will host Newcastle United and Fulham before making the short trip over to West Ham on May 10. To cap off the season, they will face Burnley (H) and Crystal Palace (A).

The title race could go down to the wire. Image credit: Getty

After three second-place finishes in a row, do you think the Gunners will end their 22-year wait for a league title, or will City pip their rivals to another trophy?

Arsenal’s remaining Premier League fixtures

Man City (A), April 19

Newcastle (H), April 25

Fulham (H), May 2

West Ham (A), May 10

Burnley (H), May 17

Crystal Palace (A), May 24

Man City’s remaining Premier League fixtures

Chelsea (A), April 12

Arsenal (H), April 19

Burnley (A), April 22

Everton (A), May 2

Brentford (H), May 9

Bournemouth (A), May 17

Aston Villa (H), May 24

Crystal Palace (H), TBC