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Football London
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Sam Hill

Graeme Souness and Robbie Keane agree on Man United title chances as Arsenal reclaim top spot

Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League after picking up three points in a dramatic game against Aston Villa. Manchester City went into the weekend as league leaders after winning against the Gunners earlier this week but dropped points against Nottingham Forest.

Mikel Arteta was left without Thomas Partey for the second game in a row but Jorginho proved that he is a capable replacement as his late effort came back off the bar to deflect off Emiliano Martinez into the net to put the visitors 3-2 ahead in injury time at Villa Park. Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win with an easy finish in the dying moments of the match as Martinez was left stranded up the pitch after going forward for a corner kick.

Despite the ongoing battle between Arsenal and City, Manchester United continue to pick up points and are closing the gap at the top of the table as a potential dark horse for the title. Erik ten Hag's side beat Leicester City at Old Trafford on Sunday to move within five points of the Gunners and could be in the race until the end of the season.

READ MORE: Why Jorginho shouted at Ben White as Arsenal's title hopes restored following Arteta masterclass

Marcus Rashford continued his fine goal scoring form with two strikes against the Foxes to take his tally for the season to 14 goals in 24 appearances. Former Liverpool star Graeme Souness feels that it's not impossible for United to win the title but both Arsenal and City would need to suffer an 'incredible collapse'.

When asked whether United have the momentum to challenge the Gunners and City for the title, Souness told SkySports: "No it’s not impossible. I very much doubt it, several things would have to happen.

"Both City and Arsenal would have to have an incredible collapse - enough to fall off the cliff - I don’t think that will happen. From United’s point of view, for them to continue to win games they’ll have to keep the main man fit - Marcus Rashford.

"22 goals [in all competitions] already this year, five goals last year, and he ain’t finished. Keep him fit and they have a chance, but I have to say both Arsenal and Manchester City, they won’t collapse, not in that manner."

Former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane agreed with Souness' assessment and can't see United being able to break into the top two despite only being three points behind their Manchester rivals. Keane said: "I think so, they’re quietly going about their business and when you’ve got someone like Marcus Rahsford, the form that he’s in, 22 goals, 8 assists, for me he’s probably the most in form striker in world football at the moment, the way he’s playing.

"The confidence that he’s showing, if they keep him fit they’ve got every chance. But I agree with Graeme, Man City and Arsenal, the way they’re playing, I think it’s probably a little bit of a push but in all competitions, flying at the moment, big game for them today against Leicester who are in really good form."

Arsenal face the Foxes in their next Premier League fixture and will be hoping to maintain their place at the top of the table. City travel to the south coast to face relegation-threatened Bournemouth, whilst United face Liverpool at Anfield in their next league fixture but have a Carabao Cup final and FA Cup tie to play before then.

READ NEXT:

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Jorginho silences critics, glorious Martinez – Arsenal winners and losers from Aston Villa win

Arsenal fans react to Granit Xhaka and Oleksandr Zinchenko displays vs Villa

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