Watch Leicester vs Arsenal (kick-off 12.00pm) and Man Utd vs Chelsea (kick off 4.30pm) live on Sky Sports Premier League this Sunday from 11.30am
Sunday 28 April 2019 12:08, UK
When is a race not a race? While Liverpool and Manchester City refuse to blink, the four teams below them continue to sleepwalk their way towards the climax of this Premier League season.
Tottenham were facing a West Ham team that had not won away all year. So, of course, Spurs duly succumbed to their first defeat in their new stadium - beaten 1-0 by Michail Antonio's second-half goal. They have now lost six of their last 10 Premier League games, as many as they had lost in the previous 28 in the competition.
Mauricio Pochettino's side remain in third but their form has opened the door for the rivals below them.
There's just no guarantee that those rivals won't slam that door on their own faces.
Manchester United have lost their last two games without scoring, including that shocking 4-0 beating at Everton. Arsenal's form is not much better, having been beaten 3-2 at home by Crystal Palace last weekend before losing 3-1 against Wolves on Wednesday evening.
As for Chelsea, their defeat to Liverpool at Anfield was expected but the home draw with Burnley emphasised that they too are struggling for form. The only win in any of these teams' previous two games was Tottenham's 1-0 win at home to a dogged Brighton side and even that required a late goal by Christian Eriksen to secure the three points.
All these teams have had their issues this season. Maurizio Sarri has been scrambling at Chelsea for much of the campaign, while Unai Emery is clearly still finding out about his Arsenal team. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said much the same about Manchester United having only taken over in December, while depth is a problem for Pochettino.
Lack of focus has been a factor for all of them, albeit for different reasons. Champions League elimination hit United hard. The rest are suffering from still being in Europe.
Arsenal and Chelsea have braved Thursday nights all season but both are now closing in on a Europa League final. Tottenham are eyeing an even bigger prize as they are now favourites to reach the final of the Champions League with Ajax standing in their way.
For Pochettino, these commitments are taking their toll.
"In the circumstances it can sometimes happen," the Spurs boss told Sky Sports after the West Ham game. "It was tough today. It's so difficult to beat the opponent in the Premier League when they are in different circumstances and a different reality. They were fresh, we were tired."
Spurs' slip presents an opportunity but who - if anyone - can take it? The next of these teams in Premier League action are Arsenal when they visit Leicester in the lunchtime kick-off on Sunday. The Gunners' away form has been poor in recent months, having won only two of their last 11 on their travels, so there are no great reason for optimism there.
Manchester United's game against Chelsea at Old Trafford later on Sunday means that at least both of them cannot lose.
The title race has been relentless. Liverpool have won seven in row. Manchester City have won their last 11. This top-four race is very different. It's not always been pretty but it's the place to look for twists and turns. Follow them all on Sky Sports in The Run In…
"I still think Spurs will finish in the top four," he told Sky Sports. "They will be hoping that Manchester United beat Chelsea on Sunday, that would be the best for them. But what they have done is give everyone else a sniff again and that's the last thing that they wanted."
Leicester vs Arsenal: Live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event from 11.30am. Kick-off is 12pm.
Burnley vs Man City: Live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Kick-off is 2.05pm.
Man United vs Chelsea: Live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Kick-off is 4.30pm.
