Arsenal were certainly among the beneficiaries from the final round of Premier League fixtures before the international break.
With Manchester City in FA Cup quarter-final action against Burnley, it meant the Gunners had the chance to open up an eight-point lead at the top of the table - an opportunity that Mikel Arteta's side did not let slip as they beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Of course, as the Cityzens have a game in hand on Arsenal, it's hard to draw too many conclusions until everything is level between the two sides. However, because of the way events over the past week or so have transpired, it may take a while before both teams have played the same number of fixtures.
READ MORE: How many wins do Arsenal need to be crowned champions? Predict the Premier League title race
As the north London outfit are out of Europe they have 10 games remaining of the season. Whether the Europa League round of 16 exit on penalties at the hands of Sporting CP proves to be a blessing or a curse remains to be seen, but on the other side, Man City could be in action 18 times across three different competitions between now and the end of the campaign.
Eleven of those are in the Premier League, they'll play another two if they reach the FA Cup final and there's the possibility of three additional fixtures on top of next month's intriguing Champions League quarter-final double-header against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
And as a result of overcoming Burnley last weekend, very soon City will have as many as two games in hand on Arsenal; the West Ham United fixture - postponed for the FA Cup quarter-final tie - and the visit to Brighton and Hove Albion - due to be played on FA Cup semi-final weekend.
Even with the Premier League's imminent announcement for May's TV picks, they are still to confirm a date for the Hammers' trip to the Etihad Stadium as well as City's visit to the Amex Stadium.
So the big question is, when will Man City play these two potentially defining fixtures in the title race? Well, previous decisions regarding postponed fixtures have shown that the Premier League look to rearrange games at the earliest convenience, with a free midweek the preferred option.
However, the first midweek of next month is not a possibility because West Ham and Brighton are in action against Bournemouth and Newcastle United, respectively. Furthermore, Man City are quite busy, especially as their Champions League quarter-final matches against Bayern Munich are pencilled in for April 11 and 19.
Therefore, the next available midweek slot in their calendar is the week beginning May 1, which falls after their game away at Fulham and before a home fixture against relegation-threatened Leeds United.
Whilst that potentially takes care of one rearranged fixture, if City reach the Champions League semi-final, they'll face either Chelsea on Real Madrid on May 9/10 & 16/17 which in turn rules out the likelihood of them being in Premier League action across two straight midweeks.
This scenario sets up a huge game a few days before the season finale where City may need a result to take the race into the final day or the Gunners could get a favour and be crowned champions before welcoming Wolves to the Emirates.
Simply put, at the start of May, Arsenal will have four Premier League games remaining whilst Man City will have six. So unless the Gunners are able to extend their lead to 19 points within the next month, this season's title race is destined to go all the way, with yet another final day of drama on the cards.
With that said, all Arteta can do is ensure his players concentrate on the task at hand. In truth, they are in control of their own destiny and being crowned champions is certainly realistic given the current points gap and City's gruelling schedule but it will ultimately come down to Arsenal doing their job first and foremost.
READ NEXT:
How many wins do Arsenal need to be crowned champions? Predict the Premier League title race
Leandro Trossard delivers Arsenal Premier League title verdict amid Man City battle
The one simple Mikel Arteta tactic that has turned Arsenal duo into Europe's best
Arsenal takeover theory as Stan Kroenke plots 'emotional' plan amid Mikel Arteta success
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
