Arsenal’s grip on the Premier League title has loosened following a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on April 20, 2026, but manager Mikel Arteta is refusing to accept that the championship conversation is over.
A decisive strike from Erling Haaland proved the difference on the night, and the result has significantly altered the complexion of the title race. Manchester City now trail Arsenal by just three points, while holding a crucial game in hand — meaning Pep Guardiola’s side could yet leapfrog the Gunners if they win that outstanding fixture.
Despite the scale of the setback, Arteta framed the final stretch of the campaign as effectively a new competition. “The Premier League starts again almost. They have a game in hand, we are three points ahead, five games to play, so game on,” the Spaniard said in his post-match comments.
Arteta acknowledged that his players were feeling the weight of the result but pointed to a resilient atmosphere within the squad. “We lost an opportunity today, but we have the biggest one now in the next five games, so let’s do it,” he added.
The Arsenal manager also highlighted the inherent difficulty of winning matches in England’s top flight, suggesting City face no easier a road than his own side. “It’s the Premier League. To win a game in this league is extremely tough; it’s going to be tough for both of us. We’re not going to stop, and we’re going to go again, that’s for sure,” Arteta said.
Arsenal’s remaining five fixtures will be central to whether they can hold off City’s challenge. The Gunners are scheduled to host Newcastle United, Fulham, and Burnley at the Emirates, while facing away trips to West Ham United and Crystal Palace. Manchester City, meanwhile, face a series of competitive fixtures and tricky away assignments that could yet see momentum shift once more.
The context surrounding this title battle adds considerable weight to the moment. Arsenal have not won the Premier League since the 2003–04 Invincibles season, and the club has come agonisingly close in recent campaigns under Arteta, only to fall short. A collapse in the final weeks of the 2022–23 season, when City pulled clear, remains fresh in the memory for supporters and analysts alike.
Haaland, who has been central to City’s recent challenges, continued his habit of delivering in decisive fixtures with the winning goal — a reminder of the Norwegian striker’s influence in high-stakes matches throughout his time in English football.
With the gap at three points and City possessing that game in hand, the mathematics remain tight but workable for both sides. Should City win their game in hand, they would move level on points with Arsenal, making the final four matches of the season a straight shootout. Arteta’s public stance, however, suggests there will be no psychological concession from the Arsenal camp regardless of how the standings evolve.
