ARSENAL strengthened their title credentials on Sunday by beating Tottenham to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners pounced after Manchester United had beaten second-placed City 2-1 at Old Trafford a day earlier.
The Red Devils’ win saw them clamber into the title conversation themselves, moving to within one point of City and nine of Arsenal.
Even Newcastle can count themselves as in the mix, with Eddie Howe’s men level with United on 38 points and ABOVE them on goal difference.
Tottenham’s top four credentials have taken a huge hit in recent weeks, falling five points off the pace.
Ahead of a huge period of action, SunSport guides you through the big five’s next five fixtures.
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1st) Arsenal (47 points)
Arsenal have a huge period coming up in their title charge.
The Gunners face a surging, in-form Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday, before a Friday night trip to reigning champions Manchester City in the FA Cup.
February will open with a trip to struggling Everton, against a team they lost to at Goodison Park last season.
A home clash with Brentford follows, before the huge rearranged Prem showdown with Man City at the Emirates.
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2nd) Manchester City (39 points)
Man City’s stuttering title defence is about to enter a pivotal stretch.
Twice in their next five games they will have to face Tottenham – a team they lost to home and away last season.
Sandwiched by their clashes with Spurs are a home assignment with Wolves and an enormous match-up with leaders Arsenal at the Etihad.
Following the second of their Tottenham matches will come a home game against Aston Villa – and it was in this fixture on the final day last season that City came back from 2-0 down to win the title.
3rd) Newcastle United (38 points)
The Toon will continue their surge with a trip to out of sorts Crystal Palace this weekend.
Although out of the FA Cup, Eddie Howe’s side will then be in League Cup action – with both legs against Southampton coming back to back.
They will resume league duties by hosting strugglers West Ham on February 4.
Following that will be a trip to relegation-threatened Bournemouth.
4th) Manchester United (38 points)
Man United travel to Palace tomorrow night for a match originally scheduled for September.
An enormous trip to Arsenal will follow on Sunday, before their attentions momentarily switch to cup action.
The Red Devils will twice play Nottingham Forest with a place in the League Cup final on the line.
These matches will sandwich an FA Cup date with Reading, which will see Royals manager Paul Ince return to Old Trafford.
5th) Tottenham Hotspur (33 points)
Tottenham’s top four hopes have taken a huge hit in recent weeks, with poor performances turning into some equally poor results.
It doesn’t get any easier for Antonio Conte’s side in their upcoming run.
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They travel to Man City to play Pep Guardiola’s champions on Thursday, ahead of a trip to in-form Fulham on Monday night.
An FA Cup date with Preston at Deepdale will then be followed by a home clash with Man City and a trip to Leicester.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
