History haunts Arsenal as Man City take control of title race
Manchester City have hit their stride when it matters most, just as Arsenal have run out of steam (Darren Staples) The spectre of a charging Manchester City haunts Arsenal once more after a 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday put a huge dent in the Gunners' hopes of a first Premier League title in 22 years. Mikel Arteta's men remain on top of the table for now but could be knocked off their perch for the first time in 2026 when City, with a game in hand, visit doomed Burnley on Wednesday. Arsenal had lost just three times in 49 games this season before last month's League Cup defeat to City.
But they have won just one of their past six games, including four consecutive defeats in domestic competitions, as they contemplate another trophyless season. It is a case of history repeating itself for long-suffering Arsenal fans, who have seen their side finish second in the Premier League for the past three seasons. In both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, Pep Guardiola's relentless team reeled in Arteta's side while last season the Gunners finished behind a resurgent Liverpool.
Once again City have hit their stride when it matters most, just as Arsenal have run out of steam. Guardiola has now won 31 of his 39 Premier League games in April as he eyes a seventh title during his decade in Manchester. By contrast, Arteta has overseen just 11 victories in 27 April league fixtures during his six-and-a-half years in charge.
Arteta was keen to stress that fortune had not favoured his side in a game of fine margins at the Etihad. While Arsenal clearly showed signs of nerves in losing at home to Bournemouth last weekend, they took the game to City and were undeterred by Rayan Cherki's brilliant opener. Kai Havertz charged down Gianluigi Donnarumma's attempted clearance to level almost immediately and Arsenal had plenty of other chances.
Eberechi Eze's shot somehow came off the post and along the line rather than into the net when the score was 1-1 and Gabriel Magalhaes's deflected header also came off the post in a frantic finale. But Arsenal have only themselves to blame for repeated failings that have not been addressed. Twice Havertz missed huge chances in the second half -- the German international failed to beat Donnarumma when one-on-one before heading over when unmarked deep into stoppage time.