By IBRAHIM T. LOT
Arsenal’s hopes of winning their first English Premier League title since the famous Invincibles triumph of 2003/04 have suffered a major setback after recent results swung momentum in favour of Manchester City.
The Gunners dropped to second on the table after City defeated Burnley 1-0 Wednesday.Both clubs are now tied on 70 points with an identical goal difference of +37.
Manchester City, however, lead the standings by virtue of goals scored, with 66 compared to Arsenal’s 63.Arsenal’s challenge was badly damaged on Sunday when they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, leaving their rivals just three points behind at the time with a game in hand.City had been nine points behind Arsenal after drawing with West Ham on March 14.Three straight wins, combined with back-to-back Arsenal defeats, have completely transformed the title race.
The battle for the crown took another dramatic turn after Arsenal suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2026.The Gunners, who once held a commanding 12-point lead at the summit, have now seen their advantage disappear with only six matches remaining.
Manchester City, with games in hand, were handed a lifeline as the campaign entered its decisive stage.Pep Guardiola appears to have steadied his side at the perfect time.The January arrivals of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi have also strengthened City’s push for the title.
Although there is still work to do, City are now top of the league and have their destiny firmly in their own hands.If Arsenal eventually miss out, they may well look back on this week as the moment their title dream slipped away.