Error code: %{errorCode}
Are Manchester City favourites for Premier League title after classic with Arsenal?
Many expected a cagey Premier League affair at the Etihad on Sunday, and while the tension was palpable, Manchester City and Arsenal played out a title race classic for the ages.
Despite the Gunners' surprising attacking threat, it was Pep Guardiola's side who showed quality in their finishing, with goals from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland edging out a 2-1 win.
The result means that things could not be tighter at the top as the 10-time champions now trail Mikel Arteta's side by three points, but crucially, they have a game in hand to catch their rivals.
Clearly, the momentum is with Man City , but are they now the favourites to lift an 11th league title, or do Arsenal still hold the advantage?
Man City show Arsenal what they're missing in attack
The consensus heading into the weekend was that Arteta would go for a bore draw, but instead, they created chances aplenty and delivered an impressive attacking display on away soil.
Selecting Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke was a bold move by the 44-year-old, but if the North Londoners had taken their opportunities, then they would have come away with at least a point.
After withstanding substantial pressure in the second half, the Gunners were relentless on the break, with Havertz spurning a chance from close range before heading over right at the death.
Getty Images
Quite the opposite could be said of City, who created some promising openings themselves, but through Cherki's wizardry and Haaland's world-class finishing, they had the quality to seize their opportunities.
While Arsenal have decent attacking options, they are simply not on their rivals' level, and they would have wished that they had players like Haaland, Cherki or even Antoine Semenyo in front of goal.
Indeed, the Gunners' xG of 1.53 shaded City's 1.41, and that just about sums up how wasteful Arsenal were in attack.
Bernardo Silva produces masterclass at the Etihad
After it was revealed that Bernardo Silva would be departing Man City at the end of the season , it was rather fitting that the little magician produced one of his best performances in a City shirt.
The Portugal international has often been overlooked this campaign, with the likes of Haaland, Cherki and Semenyo stealing the limelight, but he has continued to age like a fine wine in Pep's engine rooms.
Ironically, it was not the 31-year-old's attacking that caught the eye, but his standout defensive display.
Silva notched 10 defensive contributions in the encounter, including three tackles and five recoveries, which earned him the man of the match award as well as a comparison to Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro.
Among his standout moments were chasing down Havertz when it appeared the German was through one-on-one with Donnarumma and outjumping Viktor Gyokeres to head clear from a cross.
All in all, it was a true captain's performance.
- Read next | Bernardo Silva reminds Man City that 'it's a long season' after thrilling win over Arsenal
Analysing Arsenal and Man City's Premier League run-ins
When picking apart both teams' remaining Premier League fixtures, on paper, you would have to argue that City have the toughest, but they possess the form and the know-how to get over the line.
For Arsenal, a home clash with an out-of-favour Newcastle United should reap three points, but if they fail to net the first goal, then the tension inside the Emirates may become unbearable.
While home games against Fulham and Burnley should be straightforward, it is the away clash with West Ham United that sticks out, as they are fighting for their life to avoid relegation and are brimming with confidence.
Another key factor to consider is the Champions League, as Arteta will have no choice but to put out a strong side against Atletico Madrid, as they aim to reach only their second final.
Intriguingly, the Gunners won all of the reverse fixtures against their upcoming opponents, and they were also victorious in the corresponding games last season.
As for Guardiola's side, away trips to Everton and Bournemouth could prove challenging, while a final-day battle with Aston Villa brings a sense of deja vu, having lifted the title against the Villans in 2022.
Arsenal should not be written off yet
It would be easy to write off Arsenal after what transpired at the Etihad, but Arteta can certainly take plenty of positives from their performance, contrary to what Roy Keane said after the game.
Now, the question is whether they can replicate that display against lesser sides and show the mental toughness of champions, which has been lacking.
The form book does not make positive reading for the Gunners as they have now picked up just one win from their last six in all competitions, with two of those coming in the Premier League.
However, the North London outfit still have a 73% chance of lifting the title, according to Opta , although their chances are diminishing week on week.
Given that the title could now come down to goal difference, it will be interesting to see if Arteta favours a more attacking style of play, which would surely be more effective.
The Gunners have blown away a host of clubs this season, and while the Spaniard would probably rather absorb attacks and take advantage from set-pieces, this might be just what they need.
Yes, the pendulum is edging closer in City's direction, and it feels as if both sides must be near-flawless until the final bell.
How to watch the Premier League in Canada
Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.
With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League and Serie A action. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga, and more.
For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.
