Panic on the streets of London" - the line on the banner of Manchester City after the match ended. With her hair down, Erling Haaland hummed "Oh, sometimes, I get a good feeling", as if signaling a new turning point in the championship race.
Despite leading the Premier League for 201 days, Arsenal is facing the risk of losing the top spot to Man City - who have only held the number one position for only 7 days this season.
The familiar scenario is repeating itself. In the 2022-2023 season, Arsenal once led 247 days before losing momentum in the decisive stage, giving up the championship to Man City. At that time, Haaland was also the one who created a turning point. And this time, the feeling of insecurity returned to Mikel Arteta's team.
Arsenal played well but still failed
Unlike the heavy defeat in the past, Arsenal's performance at the Etihad this time brought many positive signals. They did not shrink in defense as predicted, but actively pressed high, continuously putting pressure on Man City.
The return of captain Martin Odegaard made the play more coherent. In just the first 25 minutes, Arsenal had 5 times regained the ball in the last 1/3 of the field. Including the situation leading to Kai Havertz's equalizing goal after Gianluigi Donnarumma's mistake.
Arsenal's attack also shows rare cohesion recently. The expected goal difference (xG) reached 1.53 - the highest level that Man City has faced in many recent matches.
In the second half, Arsenal even put pressure on the opponent at one point. Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli continuously missed one-on-one opportunities, and Eberechi Eze shot into the post.
But then a turning point appeared. Haaland scored and finished the match. If they had taken better advantage of the last chances in the match, The Gunners could have completely returned with a positive result. As Arteta admitted: "We were very close, but not close enough".
The race is not over yet
Despite the defeat, Arsenal still maintained their belief. "Not finished yet" - Declan Rice told himself after the match. Arteta also affirmed: "The championship is still in our hands".
Even Pep Guardiola admitted: "Everyone says Arsenal is losing momentum, but what I see today is not so. The momentum can change in just a moment".
If both teams win all remaining matches, the championship race can be decided by goal difference. The advantage is somewhat in favor of Man City with Haaland's stability and scoring ability, but Arsenal still has a chance if they take advantage of a more favorable schedule.
Hope from the bright spots
One of Arsenal's biggest positive signs is the connection between Odegaard and the satellites around him. When the Norwegian captain is in the best physical condition, his creativity and ability to control the game will help the team operate more smoothly.
If Bukayo Saka returns soon, Arsenal can recreate the attacking trio Saka - Odegaard - Havertz. This is a combination that helped them play explosively at the end of 2024.
More importantly, Man City is not a perfect team. They still have difficult matches ahead, while Arsenal has a more relaxed schedule. The gap could completely be reversed.
It's all just beginning
The defeat at the Etihad is a heavy blow, but not the end. Arsenal may be disappointed, but there are still reasons to be optimistic.
This is a completely new tournament. Everything is still ahead and we will not give up" - the Arsenal captain affirmed.
Man City has created a psychological advantage. But the Premier League title race is really just entering the most fierce stage - where every mistake has to pay the price.
