Although Manchester City is very strong, they cannot avoid the laws of nature - nothing lasts forever. Since Pep Guardiola arrived in the Premier League, The Citizens have quickly reached the top after just one season and maintained a very stable strength. If it were not for Arsenal this season, it would be difficult for any team to overthrow Man City.
The "Gunners" have a very small chance but not without it. It is small in that this season, Man City has had Erling Haaland to compete with invincibly. However, consistency has helped Arsenal narrow that gap. Arsenal's story this season is different from Leicester 6 years ago when the strong teams at that time all had problems. This time, not only Man City, but Liverpool, Chelsea, Man United, Tottenham or even Newcastle.
Arsenal are top in points, second in goals/goals. They convincingly defeated Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Achievements up to now are not based on luck. Mikel Arteta's team plays organized football and is ready to be fair or overwhelming against all opponents. From more than 7%, up to now, the rate of Arsenal's championship has increased to 18%. Although it is still too small compared to Man City (more than 70%) it is a very impressive achievement.
By the round of 16, Arsenal had 1 point more than they had in the miraculous 2003-04 season. That season, Arsene Wenger and his team won the championship with 90 points (won 26, drew 12). However, in reality, recent seasons have shown that having 97 points like Liverpool but still finishing second is normal. When competing with Man City, the rate of errors must be at the smallest level. According to Pep's habit, Man City will end the season with at least 90 points. Therefore, Arsenal need to be better than they were 18 years ago.
The match between Arsenal and Man City in the first leg of the Premier League has been postponed and there is no time to play again. If the two teams still maintain their current position, if that match is played as a make-up at the time when it is necessary to determine the winner - loser, it will be great for the tournament scenario.
The most important thing right now is to avoid injuries. Arsenal's squad is thicker and deeper than last season, but the recent disappointing loss to PSV Eindhoven is a reminder that they do not possess many reserve talents like Manchester City. The 2022 World Cup will be a breathless time for Arteta because as long as key players like Gabriel Jesus are injured, all plans in the return round of the Premier League can be disrupted.
After almost the end of the first leg, the "Gunners" are still standing firm, this is not too new in terms of feelings for their fans, but their confidence has been greatly strengthened. If Arsenal welcome more new players next winter, they will have more basis to compete fairly with Man City.
Liverpool have only been 1 point behind Man City in the top flight twice in the last 5 years after round 38. Arsenal look at it to see that they are not allowed to make any more mistakes.
