Premier League: Is the international break beneficial for your team?

Premier League leaders Arsenal are in a strong position internationally and are nine points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, although they have played one game more than Pep Guardiola’s side.

But their next league match is not until April 11, when they host Bournemouth – plenty of time to remember the League Cup final defeat against City.

They are not completely without fixtures until then, as they play Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on April 4 and then play Sporting in the Champions League last eight on April 7 – but even almost two weeks is a long time to stay.

“They were unbeaten in 14, so it’s about how they react to this defeat,” former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“The nerves are obviously there because they’ve been so close [to winning the Premier League] in the last few years.

“If they remain quiet over the coming weeks – how the club responds will be very important.

“They’ve still got to beat City in April and that game will be huge for the title.”

For Manchester City’s players, this will likely present a different problem, as they will be keen to maintain their momentum.

Nico O’Reilly, who scored both of City’s goals in the League Cup final, said, “It’s a blow for them and we need to build on this and get some momentum from this win now.”

“As soon as the international break ends, we have to step up and fight hard.

“Who knows [whether it will dent Arsenal’s momentum]? I don’t know how they feel. Obviously they will be disappointed not to win the trophy.”