The run in – five games to decide it all

THE “run-in” is the theme of the Premier League as it reaches the most important period of the season.

The run-in to the title, the run-in for the Champions League spot and finally the run-in to the relegation battle.​

For the Premier League crown, the run-in was played out at the Etihad as Manchester City hosted Arsenal.

Previously, any potential champions would have to go to the Etihad and get a result if they were serious about winning it all.

Liverpool did it last season by winning two-nil at the Etihad, and the challenge lies now with Arsenal.

Arsenal did put up a good fight but got undone by a spirited City side. City started the game well and appeared threatening from the get-go.

Ryan Cherki gave City a deserved lead with an excellent finish after going on a twinkle-toe run in the penalty box. A moment of madness from Gianluigi Donnarumma saw Arsenal equalise, and it was an eventful match before Erling Haaland got the winner in the second half.​

In a game of small margins, the “IT” factor was the difference maker, and City got it via Bernardo Silva.

Silva managed the game well and channelled his inner Fabio Cannavaro to make a last-ditch tackle to prevent Kai Havertz from scoring.

If Arsenal had scored then, it would have been a different game, and the narrative would be different. ​The gap is now three points, and if City win the game in hand, Pep Guardiola’s men will be level on points with Arsenal with five games to go!

For the run-in for the Champions League spots, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool recorded victories to stay as favourites for it.

United bounced back from their defeat against Leeds to win one-nil against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

In a dreadful game between the two teams, United did not have to do much to secure victory.

Matheus Cunha converted from Bruno Fernandes’ 18th assist of the season.

Fernandes is now two assists away from equalling Thierry Henry’s record and has five games remaining to beat it.

As for Chelsea, things are not looking great as the gap is now at seven points with Liverpool.

The scary part? Chelsea had a lot of possession and shots against United, but it resulted in nothing.

It is another game without them scoring, and it is a worrying trend. If Chelsea want to come out of this funk, they need to find the net again.​

Cunha and Fernandes might get the applause, but the true unsung hero for United was Noussair Mazraoui.

While Mazraoui did not have Maguire’s physical presence, his ability to retain and pass the ball out helped United to break Chelsea’s press. Kudos to Michael Carrick for coming up with the scheme of things.​

Speaking of an unsung hero, another one in the run-in this weekend is Curtis Jones, as Liverpool recorded their first victory in the Merseyside derby held at the Hill-Dickson stadium.

Jones played rightback admirably, and his status as a local boy helped Liverpool to remain in fifth and build a gap against their closest challenger.

It was not the usual cagey Merseyside derby as both teams actually played decent football, trying to grab a win.

The winner was achieved deep in stoppage time as Virgil Van Dijk scored from a corner. Van Dijk achieved the winner eight years ago on his debut against Everton and now got the winner once again at their rival’s new stadium.

The blue side must be sick of him by now and cannot wait for him to retire.​

Villa remained in fourth as Unai Emery’s men got a late winner via Tammy Abraham after surrendering a two-goal lead to allow Sunderland to come back into the game.

In the run-in for the relegation battle, Nottingham Forest got a big win against Burnley to open up a gap against Tottenham.

Spurs got their first point under their new manager, but have yet to chalk up a victory in 2026 in the league.

Spurs remain in the bottom three with a tough set of fixtures on the horizon.

Perhaps there could be some salvation when Spurs play Chelsea, as the Blues are not in great form.

The Battle of the Bridge has a different context this time around.​ The run-in is definitely in full form.

There are still lots more questions than answers, and there is still plenty of drama to be played at all levels.

Strap yourselves in because the next five games will be an enjoyable ride.