Both Manchester City and Arsenal have faced difficulties recently. However, in some aspects, Pep Guardiola will have the right to be more optimistic than Mikel Arteta at the moment.
Despite a 1-4 loss to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, Guardiola is still confident in the team's comeback. In fact, Man City often have a habit of accelerating strongly in the final stages. Therefore, it will not be surprising if The Citizens win the Premier League or Champions League, or even both.
But can Arsenal end their 21-year wait for the Premier League title? It's been a long time since Arsene Wenger led the Gunners to an unbeaten Premier League season. And in fact, even Arsenal fans are raising many doubts.
Reducing the 5-point gap with Man City is one thing, but shortening the 7-point gap with Liverpool is another. If they do not improve their form soon, the "Gunners" could be left behind in the championship race.
The attack problem has been getting worse for Arsenal since the start of the season. They failed to score against Bournemouth and Newcastle in the Premier League, as well as were helpless against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
3 defeats in 6 matches is not a comprehensive crisis, but Arteta must be very careful before it is too late. Arteta's position is still safe but his decisions seem to be going in the wrong direction. This includes the lack of determination to sign a true striker.
Kai Havertz has been proving himself to be a non-failed signing for Arsenal. But in the end, they still lack a striker who can spread fear in the opponent's defense like Erling Haaland or Mohamed Salah. Havertz is not that type of player.
In the context of The Gunners focusing all their efforts on their ambition to win the Premier League, it is difficult to understand why they ignore the attack. In the summer market of 2024, Victor Osimhen moved to Galatasaray, Alexander Isak stayed at Newcastle and Ivan Toney joined the Saudi Pro League. Arsenal have always been strongly associated with these names but have remained silent in the end.
Raheem Sterling has had a great career and created a good push for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing. However, his only goal for Arsenal so far was in the Carabao Cup against Bolton.
In the title race, the goals that can decide the match will make a significant difference. However, Arsenal have lacked that sharpness in the last 3 losses when controlling the ball was not enough.
