By James Cormack
The mystical 'run-in', as it's called, officially begun after the March international break and a hectic April proved crucial in shaping the Premier League table.
We're well into crunch time in the 2023/24 season, and while there are still a few things to iron out, it's become distinct as to which clubs will be fighting for what during the final month of the season.
Brentford and Everton have escaped the relegation dogfight and Sheffield United have succumbed to the second tier, while at the other end Liverpool's title dream is a distant memory after an unforeseen dip in results.
Here's how the Premier League table looked based on the results from April alone.
2023/24 Premier League April table
A rescheduled Matchday 29 meant there wasn't complete uniformity across the division in terms of matches played. While some played six times in April, Tottenham, for example, only had four games.
Nevertheless, Manchester City remained imperious as they won all five of their bouts and amassed a +15 goal difference in the process. The Cityzens also exited the Champions League but progressed into the FA Cup final amid all the Premier League carnage.
City's perfection could prove crucial in the title race as Arsenal faltered at home to Aston Villa. That defeat was the only domestic blemish for the Gunners, who won their other five games with aplomb. Those two entered the month as part of an enthralling three-horse title race, but Liverpool's wretched month means they'll be settling for third.
The Reds won just two of their six April league fixtures, with their defeat in the Merseyside Derby proving fatal. Everton's derby triumph was one of four they secured to alleviate any relegation fears. The Toffees, along with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, are all enjoying strong ends to the season.
There was further indifference from Chelsea and Manchester United, while Tottenham Hotspur lost ground in the top-four race to Aston Villa.
At the bottom, Sheffield United were one of two teams to end the month winless and their inevitable return to the Championship was confirmed after they were thrashed 5-1 by Newcastle United at St. James' Park. Their miserable April was matched by Brighton & Hove Albion, who scored just once in six games and have all but fallen out of European contention as a result. Is the Roberto De Zerbi era already petering out?
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Premier League table from games played in April.
