The Premier League title race may finally be tilting decisively towards Arsenal.
After months of relentless pressure from Manchester City, Arsenal head into the final stretch of the season knowing the championship is now firmly within reach.
The shift came after City surrendered control in a chaotic 3-3 draw away to Everton, a result that exposed rare uncertainty in Pep Guardiola’s side and handed fresh momentum to Mikel Arteta’s leaders.
For long stretches at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, City appeared comfortable. Then everything unravelled.
Everton, subdued for much of the first half, suddenly found openings as defensive mistakes crept into City’s game. The champions looked rattled, conceding three times before scrambling back late on to rescue a point.
Coming from 3-1 down with only minutes remaining showed City’s resilience. But the performance also raised uncomfortable questions about a team that has built its dominance on control and composure.
The defending champions now face a difficult reality. Even winning their remaining matches may not be enough if Arsenal maintain their form.
Their 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday carried the authority of a side growing into the pressure rather than shrinking from it. There was defensive discipline, patience in possession and, perhaps most importantly, a renewed sharpness in attack.
The return of Bukayo Saka after six weeks out gave Arsenal fresh energy going forward. Arteta’s side scored three goals in a league game for the first time in 16 matches, a timely reminder of the attacking fluency that powered much of their campaign.
For supporters at the Emirates, belief is beginning to replace caution.
Arsenal now need victories against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace to secure what would be their first league title in 22 years.
Manager Mikel Arteta has repeatedly urged calm in recent weeks, insisting the race would be decided by consistency rather than emotion. That message appears to be resonating.
City, meanwhile, remain dangerous. Guardiola’s teams have repeatedly shown an ability to recover under pressure, and few would dismiss their chances entirely with several matches still to play.
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