Mikel Arteta wins Premier League Manager of the Month for February

Micah Richards claims fixture change has harmed Arsenal’s title bid

Micah Richards, a former Manchester City star, has stirred up the Premier League title race debate by suggesting that a crucial fixture change has tilted the odds in favor of his old club, potentially dealing a blow to Arsenal’s championship aspirations.

Richards, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, highlighted how a rescheduled match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur has shifted the dynamics of the title race. Originally slated for April 20, the fixture was moved to Tuesday, May 14, due to City’s participation in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Micah stated: “You look at City who have Spurs away as well, but the rest of those games you are thinking they will probably win. Spurs away, their record there is not that great in recent time; it’s hotting up. But I just think Man City have the edge.”

This fixture alteration, according to Richards, has disadvantaged Arsenal, who are currently leading the league table by a slender margin over Manchester City.

With City trailing by just one point but possessing a game in hand, Richards predicts that Pep Guardiola’s side will capitalize on this advantage to secure their fourth consecutive title.

The former City player emphasized the significance of the rescheduled clash against a faltering Tottenham side. Spurs, once seen as potential spoilers for City’s title ambitions, have suffered a dramatic downturn in form, enduring four consecutive losses and conceding a staggering 13 goals since April 13.

With Spurs’ form in freefall, many pundits, including Richards, anticipate a comfortable victory for Manchester City in the pivotal encounter. This perceived shift in momentum has heightened the pressure on Arsenal, who are striving to end their 20-year title drought under the stewardship of manager Ange Postecoglou.

As the title race intensifies, Richards’ assertion adds a new dimension to the narrative, amplifying the significance of fixture scheduling in determining the destiny of the Premier League trophy.

See More: