Key Takeaways
- Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 to cut the gap at the top to three points with a game in hand.
- Arsenal have now lost back-to-back league matches for the first time since December 2023.
- Mikel Arteta must deliver a trophy to avoid another season labelled as ‘nearly men’.
A blue banner dropped from the Etihad stands moments after the final whistle. “Panic on the streets of London,” it read. The message was clear: Manchester City believe they can still steal the title from Arsenal’s grasp.
Pep Guardiola’s side won 2-1 on Sunday to move within three points of the leaders, and they still have a match in hand. The race is alive, and the pressure is shifting to Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal played with courage. They matched City for long spells and could have left with a draw. Twice the woodwork denied them, and Kai Havertz missed a free header in stoppage time. Fine margins decided the contest, but the table now tilts toward the champions.
City have not lost in ten league games. Their habit of finishing seasons strongly is well known. Arsenal, in contrast, have dropped four of their last six matches in all competitions. The slump has revived old fears that Arteta’s team may fall short again.
Since 2021 the Gunners have finished second twice and are on course for a third runners-up spot. Another empty cabinet would extend their trophy drought to five years and invite fresh doubts about the project.
Yet the Spaniard remains defiant. “We still top the league with five matches left,” he said after the game. “If I had to lift spirits now, I should be at home.”
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy defended the manager. “Losing the league on goal difference or the Champions League final would still be progress,” he told BBC Sport. “Sacking Arteta would be crazy.”
Arsenal also stand in the last four of Europe for a second straight season. Silverware can still arrive by May, but the margin for error has gone. Every remaining match feels like a cup final.
Arteta must now show he can guide his squad through the noise and deliver the prize supporters crave. Otherwise the tag of football’s ‘nearly men’ will stick to both coach and club.