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As it happenedended

Manchester City vs Arsenal live: Alexis Sanchez equalises for Arsenal after fine build-up play by Olivier Giroud

A day of big implications for the top four is underway

James Benge
Sunday 08 May 2016 13:01 BST
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Olivier Giroud heads in for Arsenal straight from a corner
Olivier Giroud heads in for Arsenal straight from a corner (Getty)

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Today in the Premier League, Liverpool play Watford and Arsenal travel to Manchester City. Earlier on in the day, Tottenham lost 2-1 at home by Southampton.

  • Tottenham 1 Southampton 2 (1.30pm)
  • Liverpool vs Watford (4pm)
  • Manchester City vs Arsenal (4pm)
  • Arsenal can be level on points with Spurs if they win
  • Arsenal will also cement third place with a victory at the Etihad Stadium
  • Liverpool reached the Europa League final this week
  • Spurs saw hopes of winning title end on Monday after Chelsea draw
  • Follow the latest below:

Arsene Wenger believes the money flooding into the Barclays Premier League from next season will bring an end to the traditional big four.

The Arsenal boss knows victory over Manchester City on Sunday will seal a top-three finish and guaranteed Champions League football for his side for next year.

But the Gunners had greater aspirations having topped the table at the turn of the year, only to be usurped by the superb form of newly-crowned champions Leicester.

And Wenger reckons the influx of television money into the league from the start of the new campaign means the surprise success of the Foxes could be repeated.

Arsenal are looking to secure a 20th successive season in the Champions League but the fight can only get tougher, according to the Frenchman.

"The big question mark is what happened with Leicester can happen again because first of all every English team can buy players," he said.

"The difference out on the market between those who really make a difference and are just a fraction better, where players go to lower teams with a bit more spirit and a bit more fighting, bit more support and a bit less expectation.

"And maybe a team that nobody expects now will come next season and surprise everyone. All the English clubs have the money to buy now.

"You've got West Ham moving into a new stadium with more potential with the finances that brings. Tottenham are creating a new stadium as well.

The players are in the tunnel, kick-off's just moments away!

James Benge8 May 2016 15:56

Kick-off: Arsenal get us underway at the Etihad, can they get the win they need to build the pressure on Tottenham?

James Benge8 May 2016 16:00

PREDICT THE RESULT - Who will come out on top today?

James Benge8 May 2016 16:00

2 mins: Some loose, careless football early on from both sides, with Welbeck and Iheanacho struggling to find their touch. Aguero does well down the left channel to force Bellerin into conceding a corner.

James Benge8 May 2016 16:02

4 mins: Stern defending from Arsenal, who clear the corner at the near post. It comes back out to City down the right but Iwobi is back on the edge of his area and makes the tackle.Arsenal momentarily threaten on the break but can't find the right pass and City come forward again, their visitors giving away a needless free-kick in the left channel as Giroud grabs Clichy's jersey.

A dangerous delivery by De Bruyne, but it bounces through to Cech.

James Benge8 May 2016 16:04

7 mins: Another corner for City, much the better of the sides early on. Monreal's having a tough time down the right, with little support in the offing from Welbeck so far.

James Benge8 May 2016 16:07

8 mins: The corner's dealt with, but Arsenal just can't get out of their half...

James Benge8 May 2016 16:07

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