Bernd Leno has vowed to try and stop Manchester City from moving to within one game of winning the Premier League title as he attempts to help Arsenal. The German goalkeeper left the Emirates Stadium nearly two years ago after being replaced by Aaron Ramsdale as first choice, but hasn't tried to hide his intensions with just two weeks left to play.
Arsenal need City to drop points in at least one of their remaining three matches (Fulham, Tottenham, and West Ham) whilst also winning their own two fixtures left (Manchester United and Everton). However, Pep Guardiola's side have shown no signs of letting up.
They could move back to the top of the table next weekend despite temporarily being four points behind Arsenal on Saturday. Mikel Arteta's men will have the chance to go to the summit themselves 24 hours later but the title is in City's hands.
They travel to Tottenham in the standout remaining clash throughout the league. Ange Postecoglou's side have lost four games in a row though and are no longer looking to be the obstacle they were just several weeks back.
Fulham are no more scary themselves. Sat in 13th, Marco Silva's side have never been in danger of going down or truly making a push for the top half this season.
They have won just one of their past seven games too. Silva is committed to doing all he can to stop Guardiola from getting to a fourth league title in a row though. "We are going to try and win the game as always," he said. "It's clear from me, we are going to try, 100 per cent.
"We are going to play against one of the best teams in the world, if not the best in my opinion. But, as always, more so at Craven Cottage, we are a really tough team to play against and we're going to give a really tough game for City as well."
Leno is also keen to do his bit for the Gunners. After drawing 0-0 with Brentford at the weekend he took to Instagram, writing, "+1 and a clean sheet [black and white circle emojis] two more games to go [phone hand emoji]". In the replies were a set of Arsenal fans calling for him to come to their aid at Craven Cottage in five days time.
"Same again next week brother. All [eyes emoji] on you" wrote one supporter. Leno responded: "okay boss!"
Having left the club following a fifth-placed finish under Arteta, Leno has gone on to impress across London. He has managed 18 clean sheets in 76 matches which compares well to the 25 he got on 71 appearances under Arteta.
Arsenal fans will certainly be keen to see the German shot-stopper pull out a big performance again. Otherwise, any slip-up at Old Trafford could see City crowned champions two days later in north London at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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