Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal has transformed the Premier League title race, leaving the long-time frontrunners facing a familiar, sinking feeling.
Erling Haaland’s 65th-minute winner at the Etihad Stadium reduced Arsenal’s lead to just three points. More daunting, City hold a game in hand – at relegation‑threatened Burnley on Wednesday – meaning Pep Guardiola’s side could be top by the weekend.
Arsenal have now lost four of their last six games in all competitions, including two straight in the league. A League Cup final defeat last month sparked the slump, and the Gunners have won just once since.
Rayan Cherki’s dazzling 16th‑minute solo goal put City ahead. Kai Havertz levelled two minutes later after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s calamitous clearance.
But the difference in quality up front proved decisive. Haaland swept home Nico O’Reilly’s cross for his 34th goal of the season. Arsenal twice hit the post.
Arsenal have been runner‑up for three straight seasons. In 2022/23, they led the table for 248 days and still finished second – the longest stint at the top without winning the title in English top‑flight history.
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Now, with five games left, the Gunners face a run of Newcastle (H), Fulham (H), West Ham (A), Burnley (H) and Crystal Palace (A). City’s path is tougher: trips to Everton and Bournemouth, plus a final‑day meeting with Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta insisted his players are “more convinced than ever” they can still win it. “Everything is still to play for,” he said. But the evidence suggests otherwise.
This is Arsenal’s title to lose. And they are losing it. Again.
