Only those with the biggest of third eyes predicted Arsenal to be Manchester City's biggest title challenger this season. Most pre-season predictions pegged City as clear winners with perhaps only old foes Liverpool and big-spenders Chelsea able to put up any sort of resistance.
But out of nowhere Arsenal have emerged as the biggest contender to the throne and led the way for the vast majority. It was only a late wobble from Mikel Arteta's side, a mere three draws, that opened the door for the relentless machine that is City to charge over them and retake top spot.
When facing down a side as near-perfect as Pep Guardiola's, you can't put much of a foot wrong as the most minor of slips can see you career off a cliff. ALSO READ: Man City player ratings vs Leeds as Gundogan good but Haaland poor The Gunners were a complete surprise this season.
They were considered not a threat enough for City to sell both Gabriel Jesus and Aleks Zinchenko to North London. They finished 24 points behind the Blues last season down in fifth.