The Premier League title race has been fierce this season, with traditional giants Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and the rising tide of Villa all rounding out the top four of the table, with the title set to be decided among these four teams. Despite the favourites of defending champions Manchester City, there is widespread skepticism about Arsenal's prospects. In the 20th round of the Premier League in the early morning of December 31, Beijing time, Manchester City hosted Sheffield United, while Villa played against Burnley.
As the defending champions, Manchester City held a ceremony to win five trophies this year, and then comfortably beat bottom bottom Sheffield United to win 2-0 to end the year. Villa, meanwhile, endured a tumultuous win at home to Burnley. While Villa took the lead twice, Burnley also equalised twice to win 3-2 thanks to a penalty from Douglas Luiz.
According to ** statistics, in the 2023 Premier League home standings, Villa is at the top of the table with 53 points, followed by Manchester City with 51 points, and Manchester United is third with 50 points, which is inseparable from the guidance of Villa coach Unai Emery. In the current standings, Liverpool have 42 points from 19 rounds, Villa have 42 points from 20 rounds, Manchester City have 40 points from 19 rounds, and Arsenal have 40 points from 19 rounds.
Due to the difference in goal difference, these four teams are in first to fourth place, with only two points separating each other, and the title race is in chaos. Manchester City was left behind by Arsenal, Liverpool and Villa after four consecutive rounds of winlessness, but then these three teams also dropped points one after another and were gradually caught up by Manchester City. Now, Pep Guardiola is leading the team to the next level, and many are optimistic that Manchester City will start a winning streak and overtake the title.
During Manchester City's winless streak, Arsenal have been at the top of the table many times, but only one win, one draw and two defeats in the last four rounds of games have led them to lose the halfway title to Liverpool and once again habitually drop, falling from the top to fourth.