Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFPIt was frantic and it was dramatic, but after a nerve-shredding night at Emirates Stadium, most were left thinking that Arsenal have handed the Premier League title advantage to Manchester City.The 3-3 draw against Southampton – rescued by late strikes from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, after the visitors led 3-1 with two minutes of normal time remaining – means only Manchester City have beaten Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League this season.It also means City are now five points behind Mikel Arteta’s side, but with two games in hand.
They host the Gunners on Wednesday knowing they will retain the title if they win all their remaining fixtures – but Arsenal can say that too.However, Arsenal’s new uncertainty in the title race was not lost on the players or the manager following a fixture in which they had to scramble for a point against the bottom club.Forward Gabriel Jesus, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “Manchester City have two games in hand but if we want to be champions we have to go there to win the game – that is all.”It was a statement Arteta agreed with, while former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher claims the Gunners now need something “miraculous” to win the title.
Who has better run-in in Premier League title race?Arsenal have not won at City since 2015, and Arteta knows they need to change that recent record if they are to lift the Premier League trophy for the first time in 19 years.“I cannot wait,” he said when asked about the trip to face the team with whom he won two league titles as City boss Pep Guardiola’s assistant. “These are the games you want to play.