ByAlex HowellArsenal journalist at Etihad Stadium1 Hour ago112 CommentsThe picture of Mikel Arteta kneeling in his technical area while Kai Havertz headed a stoppage time chance will be etched in the minds of many Arsenal supporters. It was billed by many as the Premier League final and City won it just like they did in the Carabao Cup Final last month. Erling Haaland snatched the winner for City in the 65th minutes, as Pep Guardiola’s team gained momentum. The Gunners were a close-fought match and both managers referred to the “small margins”. But missed opportunities by Arsenal have left the title race wide open. Image source: Getty ImagesAre Man City the title favourites following their win over Arsenal?2 Hours agoMan City beat Arsenal and cut lead to 3 points. The difference was in boxes – Arteta It was not Arteta’s team that performed poorly, but their lack killer instinct could be a detriment to their chances of winning their first league title in 22 Years. Arteta selected a team that aimed to dominate the ball and included Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard and others for the first time this season. Arteta stated that the difference between the two boxes was what determined the game. Havertz was the one to bring the Gunners even, minutes after Rayan Cherki scored a brilliant opener. His block on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s clearance bounced into the net. But it is the two missed opportunities from the German national that will be remembered. Eze’s shot from the edge of his area and Gabriel’s header in the second-half were both blocked by the goalpost. The Gunners couldn’t find a way to win. Arsenal tried to solve their striker problem by bringing in Gyokeres from Sporting for PS64m. Despite scoring 18 goals across all competitions in this season, there is still some doubt about whether the 27 year old is right for Arsenal and can deliver what they need. Arteta replied that it was difficult to make his players more ruthless. “I mean, we hit the post, and I just look the images. It’s amazing how the ball didn’t go in. “So there’s an element of luck. There is a timing element, and there is an execution element. There are a lot things that you have to do your way. “They didn’t work out our way, and we must accept that in the end, winning or losing will come down to these moments. “Arsenal Forwards Struggle It is rare that a team is challenging for the title with no forwards in the conversation. Previous title-winners included Mohamed Salah and Sergio Aguero, while Arsenal’s forward options include Gyokeres and Havertz. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus are also available. However, it is a stretch to describe any of them as ruthless match winners. Havertz’s first goal of the season was his first in 22 games. Leandro Trossard had not scored in 22 games. Madueke only has two league goals. Eze has six, but five of them came against Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal was also without Bukayo, who missed the match with an Achilles’ injury. Despite being one of Arsenal’s most reliable forwards in the past, his numbers have dropped this season. Arsenal has struggled at times to create chances, and this is reflected in the goals they have scored from open play. Arsenal has 35.8 expected open play goals this season, which is sixth in the league. Manchester City is second (42.1), with Chelsea in the lead (43.2). Gael Clichy, former Arsenal defender, said on BBC Radio 5 Live that teams were beginning to be scared of Arsenal’s corner kicks. “This is great for points, but as time goes by, you begin to rely on it and feel comfortable. You don’t concede a lot of goals, and you don’t score many goals either, but you do get those chances that make you feel like you’re going to score. “The message that you are sending is ‘don’t be worried guys, stay strong, and if we get a set-piece we can count on it’. “And the former Arsenal defender believes that if Arsenal played in a different way, their forwards could flourish. “The longer you go on, the less time you spend thinking about how to hurt and create people,” he said. “It’s about playing ‘free-football’ and scoring five (5) goals, but I feel that the players they signed last summer could damage any team if they were given this freedom. “I’ve felt in the last few weeks that they don’t want to make mistakes, but rather take risks and go for the win.” Can Arsenal win if they don’t have a forward in form? Arteta, Arsenal and the team are still in a good position to win the title despite their loss. This is true even if City is gaining momentum. Arsenal’s manager said that his team is “more confident” after their loss. Arteta stated that the players were discussing it in their dressing room. “They already have a match in hand.” We have a three-point advantage and five games left to play. “So there’s still a lot to play for.” We won’t stop and we will go again, for sure. Arteta hopes to get one of his forwards in killer form with five games left and goal difference playing a key role in deciding the title. Related topicsPremier LeagueArsenalFootballMore on this storyLatest Arsenal news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Arsenal – what do you want to know?