Arsenal holds Man City, set for second place battle with Tottenham

Kayode Ogundele
Kayode Ogundele

Manchester City could miss out on a Champions League place to neighbours Manchester United after Arsenal fought back to draw at Etihad Stadium and set up a final day shootout for second place against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners are just two points behind Tottenham after twice coming from behind at Etihad Stadium with a goal in each half, first from Olivier Giroud and later Alexis Sanchez.

City had not beaten a top five team in the Premier League this season and despite Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne putting the home side in front, they were unable to give manager Manuel Pellegrini the ideal send off in his final home game in charge before being replaced by Pep Guardiola.

Arsenal are strong favourites to finish ahead of City given they are three points ahead with a home game against Aston Villa to come next Sunday, when Pellegrini’s side travel to Swansea. But they must hope for a favour from Newcastle to avoid finishing below their bitter north London rivals for the first time in 21 years.

Tottenham lost 1-2 to Southampton at White Hart Lane and will finish below Arsenal if they lost to Newcastle on the final day.

City started on the front foot showing no signs of a hangover from the midweek Champions League semi-final exit to Real Madrid and deservedly took the lead in the eight minute. Jesus Navas crossed from City’s right flank into the near post, where Fernandinho intelligently found Aguero with a cushioned header on the edge of the box.

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