During a season, certain moments usually stand out as crucial turning points in the title race, and matchday 28 in the Premier League could be one of those moments. By the season’s end, we might look back at this weekend as the moment everything clicked for Arsenal in the developing three-team race for the title.
While Liverpool and Manchester City, separated by just a point, prepare for a massive showdown at Anfield on Sunday, Arsenal host Brentford at the Emirates in Saturday’s late kick-off, and Mikel Arteta’s men know a win will take them to the top, at least temporarily, before their rivals clash.
Little Wriggle Room For Arsenal in Tight Title Race
Currently, only two points separate leaders Liverpool from Arsenal in third place. This margin is the narrowest gap between first and third at this stage of the season (or later) since the unforgettable 2013/14 title race when City edged Liverpool out in a dramatic title race defined by Steven Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea.
Arsenal know there is little room for error in this most narrow of title races this season. Still, the Gunners should approach this tie with total confidence, having demolished Sheffield United 6-0 last time out. This emphatic victory marked their seventh consecutive league win, a run that has seen them score a staggering 31 goals and concede a mere 61 shots on target. Boasting both the most potent attack (68 goals) and the meanest defence (23 conceded) in the league, Arsenal are a well-oiled machine on both ends of the pitch.
This balance of impenetrable defence and relentless attack has been a hallmark of Arsenal’s 2024 campaign, highlighted by high-scoring wins against Crystal Palace (5-0) and West Ham (6-0). These numbers do not bode well for Brentford’s chances on Saturday.
With a crucial Champions League return leg against Porto looming, Arteta will be keen to secure all three points against the Bees without expending too much energy.
Brentford: Struggling to Keep Up
Brentford, meanwhile, travel to the Emirates Stadium in less than stellar form. They’ve lost seven of their last eight league away games, and that statistic could well read eight in nine after Saturday.
Their defensive woes further demonstrate their dire form. The Bees have already conceded four more goals than they did in the entirety of last season! Thomas Frank’s main focus for Brentford’s trip to the Emirates will likely be damage limitation. However, whether they can pull this off successfully against a high-scoring Arsenal side remains to be seen.
Betting Tip: Arsenal to win & Over 2.5 Goals
09/03 18:30 Arsenal – Brentford Arsenal to win & Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.63 (22bet)
Arsenal are overwhelming favourites. Their imperious form, coupled with Brentford’s away-day woes, point towards one outcome – a comfortable home victory for the Gunners.
Therefore, we recommend backing the combo bet of Arsenal to win and Over 2.5 Goals at 1.63 odds on 22bet.
Arsenal vs Brentford - Arsenal to win & Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.63
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