Arsenal make unexpected inroads on Man City advantage in title race

All eyes were on Arsenal to see how they would react after they were knocked off top spot by Manchester City in February.

Mikel Arteta's side had been the standout side for months, yet it is very different being the chasers rather than the chased as well as being deflating to be overtaken after so long at the summit. Was this to be the moment that Pep Guardiola's side seized control of another Premier League title race?

To the immense credit of Arsenal, it has not been. They wobbled in their very next game, going behind twice in a lunchtime kick-off at Aston Villa, only to rally and win 4-2 before seeing City blow a lead at Nottingham Forest to make their holding of top spot extremely temporary.

Also read: Man City and Arsenal title race state of play as key fixtures analysed

That was the first of seven straight victories in the league since their home defeat to City that has allowed them to lead their rivals by eight points; they have played an extra game but they do have the points on the board. It beats the four wins in five games that the Blues have picked up, and has considerably improved their chances of lifting the title at the end of the season.

Perhaps more impressive has been the way they have almost eradicated City's advantage in goal difference. From a difference of ten after the teams had played each other, it is down to two.

That is in part because the Gunners have played two more games, and Guardiola will not be too worried by the gap closing; if City are to overtake their opponents in the table it will be because of better results that will almost certainly mean a better goal difference. That will likely have to include beating Arsenal at the Etihad in April, where the goal swing can be greater.