Arsenal take massive lead over City with three games left in title race.

Manchester City and Arsenal are locked in a fierce battle for the Premier League title, with both teams set to play crucial matches this weekend.

The race took a dramatic turn on Monday when City drew 3-3 at home to Everton.

That result handed the Gunners a massive boost, reclaiming the top spot with a nine-point lead.

Now, the pressure is back on Pep Guardiola's side as they face Brentford on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal travel to West Ham on Sunday for a London derby that could be their toughest test before the end.

The Gunners are five points clear with three games left, while City have four matches remaining.

City need Arsenal to drop points to regain control of the race.

If City lose to Brentford and Arsenal win their next game, the title could effectively be decided in the following round.

West Ham face a daunting challenge to stay in their relegation fight, needing wins and hoping rivals like Tottenham stumble.

After West Ham, Arsenal will host Burnley before a final day trip to Crystal Palace.

The Gunners also prepare for a Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain in the Europa Conference League final.

City will welcome Crystal Palace on Wednesday, level games played with Arsenal, before trips to Chelsea and Bournemouth.

Their final fixture will be a home game against Aston Villa.

Pep Guardiola emphasized that a victory against Brentford would put pressure back on Arsenal.

"We have to bounce back and put pressure on Arsenal winning our games," Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.

He admitted that City's draw at Everton gave the destiny of the title to the Gunners.

City were on course for defeat until Jeremy Doku scored a sensational strike with the last kick of the game.

The Belgian winger scored twice to take his tally to four goals in his last five games.

Doku has now registered his best goalscoring season in a City shirt with seven goals.

Guardiola praised Doku's all-round contribution, noting his defensive work alongside his attacking output.

"I'm so glad," Guardiola added regarding Doku's development. "Not just the goals, the assists, also contributing defensively."

The outcome of these matches will determine whether the title race remains open or closes before the final day.

Fans and pundits are watching closely to see if City can force a draw or win to keep their hopes alive.

Arsenal must navigate a difficult run-in while defending their lead against teams fighting for survival.

The stakes are incredibly high for both clubs as they approach the final stretch of the season.

Arsenal has been amazing this season."

Manager Mikel Arteta issued a clear directive to his squad as they prepare for a critical stretch of matches. The team faces three decisive weeks that could secure the club's first Premier League title since 2004. They also stand on the brink of their maiden Champions League trophy.

The Gunners reached the European final following a victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Ahead of Sunday's trip to West Ham United, Arteta addressed reporters with a message for both players and supporters.

"Stay present. Live in the moment," Arteta told the press on Friday. "Prepare and show the same level of energy, hunger and desire we have shown all season, or more. We are closer and closer, and everything we do is going to matter."

The Champions League final against defending champions PSG is scheduled for May 30. Despite that looming giant, Arteta insisted his players must focus entirely on 18th-placed West Ham. The London club is currently battling to avoid relegation.

"We will have time to prepare and get ready for the final," Arteta explained. "But now, the full focus and attention to detail, all the energy now has to be put into West Ham. We made that very clear."

The manager admitted he felt a high emotional state after the win over Atletico. However, he emphasized that his mental and tactical focus shifted immediately to the upcoming fixture.

"I was in a really high emotional state after the (Atletico) game. We know what it means to everybody," Arteta said. "But, you have to believe me, straight after that, my concentration, my focus, my energy and my attention was West Ham, what do we have to do mentally, physically, tactically and technically to prepare in the best possible way to go there and win the game."

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester City faces Brentford in a clash that will be their 25th meeting. City holds a significant advantage, having won 14 times while Brentford has claimed victory on seven occasions.

Team news offered some hope for Pep Guardiola, who is hopeful Rodri could return from injury against Brentford. Centre-backs Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are also nearing full fitness.

Conversely, Brentford faces setbacks. Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo both miss out due to knee injuries. Rico Henry and Jordon Henderson are both doubts with knocks.