Real reason why Man City are above Arsenal in Premier League table despite identical records

Gunners are now trailing in the title race

There has been a significant change at the top of the Premier League table following this midweek’s action.

Manchester City now lead the way following yet another win under Pep Guardiola, this time away from home to relegate Burnley as Erling Haaland’s fifth-minute goal proved decisive on Wednesday night .

A third Premier League win on the spin for Man City has seen them reel in and now overtake Arsenal , who not so long ago had a nine-point advantage at the top of the table.

However, consecutive 2-1 losses to Bournemouth and City since the international break has come at the worst possible time for the Gunners with hopes of ending a 22-year wait for a Premier League title now hanging by a thread unless their form improves.

As things currently stand, Man City and Arsenal have near-identical records. Both have won 21 games, drawn seven, lost five and have the same goal difference of +37 after 33 games played.

Interestingly though, Man City sit above Arsenal in the table.

The reason for this is due to a Premier League ruling with regard to separating teams level on points, as the first method to split them should be goal difference, followed by goals scored, followed by which team collected the most points during matches between the two sides.

If those first three methods cannot separate them then the team that scored more away goals during their head-to-head matches is the fourth criteria.

Erling Haaland has fired Man Cityn to the top of the Premier League table

Getty

City have scored 66 goals compared to Arsenal’s 63, so that is why they lead the way in the title race.

Should Arsenal and Man City match each other's results for the remainder of the season, and end up with identical records, there would not to have to be a play-off match at a neutral ground to determine this season’s Premier League champions.

City have taken four points off the Gunners this term, so will stand to benefit if the two teams are level on points, goal difference and goals scored come May 24.