LONDON: The battle for the English Premier League (EPL) title reaches its climax when Manchester City face leaders Arsenal in a mega clash at the Etihad, this Sunday night.
Chelsea are also desperate for a win over Manchester United in the race for a Champions League spot, while Liverpool are looking for a comeback against their Merseyside neighbours.
Arsenal need to bounce back at the crucial moment
Declan Rice is unconcerned by criticism of Arsenal’s slump in form, but admits they need to improve in their potentially title-deciding clash against Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s side will travel to the Etihad with a six-point lead over City as they chase a first league title since 2004.
Arsenal’s performance has declined recently when they lost the League Cup final to City, were eliminated in the FA Cup quarter-finals by Southampton and were shocked by Bournemouth in the league.
In fact, advancing to the semi-finals of the Champions League was also unconvincing when they only drew goalless before winning 1-0 on aggregate over Sporting Lisbon.
Arsenal have won just once in their last five games in all competitions, while City are on a roll after beating Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in their last three games.
“There’s no excuse, we need to do better than we did against Bournemouth and maybe Sporting,” Rice said.
“We made too many mistakes. The Etihad is a real test, but this is why we play football.
“It’s exciting. I can’t wait. This is a big game that decides the championship and everything depends on whether you are really ready.”
Chelsea meets Manchester United
Chelsea are currently in a difficult situation after winning just once in their last seven league matches.
The sixth-placed team managed by Liam Rosenior cannot afford to drop points when they face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, early this Sunday morning.
They are seven points behind United in third place and four points behind Liverpool in fifth place with six games remaining.
A defeat to United would hurt Chelsea’s chances of reaching the Champions League and increase the pressure on Rosenior after his team were jeered by fans following their 3-0 defeat to City last week.
Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos said the team is aware of the fans’ disappointment and is determined to bounce back.
“We understand the fans are disappointed. We are disappointed too. Chelsea should have won the game, but we didn’t.
“It’s a difficult time but we have to keep working hard. We believe we can still qualify for the Champions League.”
Liverpool seek comeback against Everton
Liverpool, who were eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, now want to bounce back when they meet Everton at the Dickinson Hill Stadium, this Sunday night.
Arne Slot’s team lost 0-4 on aggregate to PSG, increasing the pressure on the manager.
Slot also received a blow when French striker Hugo Ekitike was confirmed to miss the rest of the season due to a heel injury.
However, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch believes a victory in the clash between the neighbours can restore the fans’ confidence and strengthen their chances of reaching the Champions League.
“We need to bounce back because Sunday’s match is waiting.
“We want to play in the Champions League next season, so we have to give everything.”