“Manchester City’s victory over Arsenal could decide the championship.”

The victory of Manchester City over Arsenal this weekend may not have been just another game, but rather the decisive moment that could determine the champion of the Premier League in this electrifying season. With a 2-1 result at the Etihad, the Citizens took a monumental step towards the title, reducing the Gunners’ lead to just three points. Moreover, City still has a game in hand, which could propel them to the top of the table with a win against Burnley midweek.

Pep Guardiola and his team are preparing for a breathtaking end to the season. This victory practically levels the two title contenders, opening the possibility for the championship to be decided by the most dramatic criterion: goal difference. A rare scenario—indeed, it has only happened once in the history of the Premier League, in 2012, when Manchester City defeated Manchester United based on this same criterion.

At this moment, the difference between the teams is just one goal, which further complicates the title race. If both teams finish with the same points and the same goal difference, the next tiebreaker criterion will be the total number of goals scored in the season. Here, Manchester City holds a slight advantage, with two more goals than Arsenal.

But the drama doesn’t stop there. If everything remains tied — points, goal difference, and goals scored — the title will be decided by the head-to-head record between the teams. In this regard, City already has a crucial victory, the 2-1 at the Etihad on Sunday, while the match at the Emirates ended in a 1-1 draw in September. Therefore, if we reach this extreme scenario, Guardiola’s victory over Mikel Arteta could be the decisive factor that hands the title to Manchester City, leaving Arsenal empty-handed.

This head-to-head clash, this battle of titans, places the Premier League at a finish line so close that any detail can make the difference. City has not only made up ground but is now strategically positioned to capitalize on any slip-ups from the Gunners. The title race has never been so intense, and in the midst of this nerve-wracking battle, every goal, every point, every match will be vital.

What seemed to be just another game has turned into a true early final, a moment that could define the future of the Premier League. With Manchester City lurking on the horizon, all the pressure is on Arsenal. Who will yield first? The answer will likely only come at the last gasp of this crazy season.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.