Will Arteta release the handbrake?

[BBC]

[Getty Images]

Throughout the season, Mikel Arteta's side have been described by many as pragmatic and dogged in their quest for a first Premier League title in 22 years. And for much of this campaign, it looked like their stubbornness in defence was going to lead them to glory.

However, the iconic phrase coined by Sir Alex Ferguson of "attack wins you games, defence wins you titles," might go out the window for the Gunners and their title rivals, Manchester City, for the remainder of this season.

Pep Guardiola's side have closed the gap and their 1-0 win over Burnley saw them leapfrog Arsenal to the top of the league with both level on points and goal difference, but City sneaking pole position through goals scored.

And both know they have their own fate in their hands. If they win their remaining games by large margins, then they have the chance to get their hands on the title in the most dramatic way possible - by goal difference.

With three goals fewer and an attack that has struggled to create for much of the season, many would assume that Arsenal would lack the firepower to keep pace with a City side that are riding the crest of a wave at the moment.

Coming up for the Gunners this weekend is Newcastle United and they have the chance to reach 100+ goals (currently on 99) against an opponent for the fifth time in their Premier League history after also doing so against Everton, West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.

But, despite their poor form this season, Eddie Howe's side have been playing on tight margins recently with their last nine Premier League matches either won (three) or lost (six) by exactly one goal. So it seems they will at least dig in and not let Arteta's side run up their goal numbers.

After losing back-to-back league games, Arteta will want his side to recover their form and give the Emirates Stadium crowd something to shout about with nerves creeping into their game in recent weeks. And a victory by a couple of goals could be just the tonic this side needs to inject some life into their title bid once more.

Is it possible for this Arsenal attack to compete with the level Manchester City have shown recently? And is Arteta brave enough to release the handbrake and chase the goals needed?

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