What Manchester City being found guilty may mean for Arsenal in the title race right now

Manchester City have been found guilty on almost all of the 115 charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.

The verdict, reported by The Athletic, covers alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018, a period during which City won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups. Sanctions have not yet been decided, with ‘all possibilities remaining on the table’. City are expected to appeal.

The potential punishments are said to range from fines and points deductions to, in the most extreme scenario, expulsion from the Premier League. A retrospective points deduction, which could see titles stripped, is also a possibility. However, legal experts have suggested a forward-looking deduction is more likely if one is applied at all.

The implications are obviously huge, not just for Arsenal but for the whole English football pyramid. Though the picture won’t become clear until sanctions are confirmed.

What Manchester City verdict could mean for the title race

City are obviously sitting top of the Premier League above Arsenal with five wins from five. A points deduction, even a modest one, could turn the tide of the title race. However, it’s likely that it will be a while before we see any sanctions handed out.

City spent £450million in the summer transfer window, including a British record-equalling £125million for Enzo Fernandez. The question of whether that spending will itself face scrutiny is one that will be asked increasingly loudly in the coming days, particularly from Arsenal fans.

Arsenal won the title on merit last season, and whatever happens next with City, that doesn’t change. In fact, Gunners fans are probably glad they got one over on Pep Guardiola before this all came out. But if sanctions are applied, the race for this season’s title could look very different. Back to back, anyone?