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Will lack of a ruthless match-winner cost Arsenal the title?

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 beat Gabriel Magalhaes to score the winner for City in the 65th-minute. The momentum of the race began to swing towards Pep Guardiola and his side, and the Gunners’ missed opportunities are what has 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 the lead to three points. The difference was in Arteta’s boxes. 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. But despite scoring 18 goals across all competitions in this season, there is still doubt about whether the 27 year old is right for Arsenal and can deliver what the Gunners require from him. 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 also 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 difficult 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. “It’s great when you score 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 worry guys, keep strong and if set-pieces come our way, 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 not playing ‘free-football’ and scoring five (5) goals, but I do believe that the players they signed during the 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. “There is 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?

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Arteta must prove he won’t be remembered as Arsenal’s ‘nearly man’

By Arsenal Man It ” They I The There ” It There ” The Arsenal Arsenal The This Not Arsenal’s nerves may just be jangling, though, as the chance to get the result that would give them a crucial push towards a first Premier League title since the ‘Invincibles’ of 22 years ago agonisingly escaped.Image source, ReutersRelated topicsManchester CityArsenalFootballMore on this storyFollow your club with BBC Sport12 MarchListen to the latest Football Daily podcastGet football news sent straight to your phone16 August 2025

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Are Man City now title favourites after win over Arsenal?

ByShamoon HafezManchester City journalist at Etihad Stadium4 Hours ago890 CommentsErling Haaland’s winning goal, explosion of noise, reaction at full-time. “But we had a terrible calendar and we’re not top of the League. They are the best English team so far, but we will fight until the very end. We know they are very competitive. We are also competitive, but we’re not alone. “The table speaks volumes. They were the best. Congratulations to the boys, but don’t forget the focus. Arteta says: “We are confident that we can win the title.” Arteta said: “We have full belief that we can do it. It’s right in front of us. “The Spaniard told BBC Radio 5 Live that we had missed an opportunity. They have the game in their hands, we have three. “Game on, because it’s a new Premier League. “Game on because it is a new Premier League. Danny Murphy, a former Premier League midfielder, told BBC Sport that the full-time celebration was a bit excessive. “If you’re an Arsenal player, your first thought is ‘hold on! We’re still ahead’. I was surprised by the heavy celebration. “I understand it in an emotional moment, and I’ve been in games where you celebrate too much. It seemed like they were celebrating their title. They probably thought that by winning the group game, we now have a shot. “Even a tie was giving it to Arsenal so I get it. “[embedded text]Where does this result leave the title races? Haaland’s second half winner sparked a cacophony after Cherki gave the hosts the lead. Kai Havertz then equalised in between, following Gianluigi Donnarumma’s error. “Two months ago, this scenario did not seem likely. I am glad we are on the same point. “One aspect of title race was settled Sunday, with the prospect of a play-off at the end of the season now over. Should the teams be equal on points, goal differential and goals scored by 24 May, City would collect the title if they had a better record in head-to-head matches.Sunday was the latest game into a year City had faced league leaders since April 2012 Is history about repeat itself? Who will win the title in 2019? Murphy and Rooney predictions[embedded contents]Former Manchester United Captain Wayne Rooney said BBC Match of the Day Arsenal would win the title by 2 points, as the Gunners won all their remaining matches, and Man City drew at Everton. City still have one game to win so I still see Arsenal as the slight favourites. “I’ve been in the same situation where you have to win every game. You think that you should win one game or another, but it doesn’t work out that way. From now until the season’s end, it will come down to the team that keeps its composure. That is who will win. “City’s schedule looks a little more difficult. Danny Murphy, a former Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder, told BBC Match of the Day that Man City would win the title based on goal difference if both teams won their remaining fixtures. Momentum, confidence, and all those things. I was very pleased with the game. I expected it to have been much more cagey. There were many great moments and lots of quality. It was a thrilling experience. “They are such strong teams that I believe they will win every game. Man City could have a tough time at Bournemouth, and West Ham will be a game to watch for Arsenal. But I think Man City will win on goal difference. Rob Green, ex-England goalkeeper: “It will take something monumental to turn this around for Arsenal. Former Man Utd defender Gary Neville said to Sky Sports that City are on the right path and it is a difficult train to stop for Arsenal. Serial winners come out on top during big matches. City stepped it up a notch. “Ex-Blackburn Rovers forward Chris Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live that he still believes Arsenal will win the Premier League. I think that they will win because they have the easier schedule, and Man City will lose because of theirs. “Related TopicsPremier LeagueManchester cityFootball

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Man City beat Arsenal to close gap in title race

Man City beat Arsenal in title raceThis is not available where you are. There was an error.Erling Haaland scored and Rayan Cherki also scored as Manchester City beat Arsenal. This closes the gap by three points and puts more pressure on Mikel Arteta.Premier League2 days agoShare pageAbout Sharing

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Record-breaking Bayern win Bundesliga – now for the Treble

Image Image Kan ” You Kan Kan ” We We ” “If Bayern win two more trophies this season, they would become the first European men’s team to win the Treble three times.Can anyone stop them?Related topicsBayern MunichEuropean FootballGerman BundesligaFootballMore on this storyGet football news sent straight to your phone16 August 2025