Big twist in title race: How it stands and remaining fixtures

The Premier League title race remains excitingly close, with Arsenal sitting five points clear at the top with three fixtures remaining, but Manchester City having one match in hand.

Man City slipped up on Monday as they drew 3-3 at Everton, but it could have been worse given they were 3-1 down after 82 minutes before goals from Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku rescued a point.

The title is now in Arsenal's hands — if they win all of their remaining three matches, they will be crowned champions. However, a single slip-up would allow Man City back into the race.

Pep Guardiola's side could close the gap to two points if they beat Brentford at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday, the day before Arsenal visit West Ham United in a London derby.

While fighting for the title, Arsenal are also competing in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. They host Atletico Madrid in the second leg on Tuesday, having drawn 1-1 in Spain last Wednesday.

Man City also have the FA Cup Final against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 16. This has resulted in their Premier League trip to Bournemouth being moved to Tuesday, May 19.

If Arsenal were to draw one match, and both clubs otherwise win all of their remaining fixtures, the two title rivals would finish level on points.

In that scenario, Rule C.17 of the Premier League Handbook states that final placings would be determined by the following criteria, in order: goal difference, goals scored, points won in head-to-head matches, away goals scored in head-to-head matches, and finally a playoff match.

The goal difference is very close. Arsenal have scored 67 goals and conceded 26, giving them a goal difference of +41. Man City’s goal difference stands at +37.

It could also come down to total goals scored — Man City currently have 69, compared to Arsenal’s 67.

If the clubs finish level on points, goal difference, and goals scored, Man City would claim the title on the next criterion — points won in head-to-head matches — as they have taken four points against Arsenal this season thanks to a win and a draw.

If this scenario unfolds, it would make this the closest title race in Premier League history. The previous closest came in the 2011-12 season, when Manchester City edged Manchester United on goal difference, sealed by Sergio Aguero’s dramatic stoppage-time winner against Queens Park Rangers on the final day.