History haunts Arsenal as Man City take control of title race

TL;DR

Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, jeopardizing their Premier League title hopes. Despite being on top of the table, Arsenal's recent poor form raises concerns about their ability to maintain their lead.

Key points

Arsenal lost 2-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal remains at the top of the Premier League table for now.
The defeat marks Arsenal's fourth consecutive loss in domestic competitions.
Manchester City is poised to take the lead with a game in hand.
Arteta criticized the finishing in both boxes as a key difference in the match.

ArsenalManchester City

Manchester City have hit their stride when it matters most, just as Arsenal have run out of steam (Darren Staples) (Darren Staples/AFP/AFP) 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 's brilliant opener. charged down 's attempted clearance to level almost immediately and Arsenal had plenty of other chances. '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. Arteta fell to his knees in the technical area in despair. After an injury-disrupted 18 months, Havertz was thrust into action for the full match as Arteta left on the bench until the final minutes. The Swede was the man signed to solve Arsenal's need for a prolific number nine in last summer's transfer window. Gyokeres is the club's top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions, but he has rarely looked as if he is the answer against top-quality opposition.

Q&A

What was the outcome of the Arsenal vs Manchester City match?

Arsenal lost 2-1 to Manchester City, significantly impacting their title race.

How has Arsenal's recent performance affected their title chances?

Arsenal has won only one of their last six games, raising doubts about their ability to secure the Premier League title.

What historical patterns are affecting Arsenal in the title race?

Arsenal has finished second in the Premier League for the past three seasons, with Manchester City consistently catching up.

What did Mikel Arteta say about the match against Manchester City?

Arteta acknowledged that City were sharper in attack and highlighted the importance of individual moments in determining the match outcome.