Arsenal placed themselves back in the driving seat of the Premier League title race with a dramatic 4-2 victory against Aston Villa. The Gunners' first victory in three league games took them back to the top of the league and they will remain there for at least another week after Manchester City failed to follow up their win against Arsenal earlier this week by dropping points against Nottingham Forest.
Just as it looked like Pep Guardiola's side were about to take the initiative in the title race, the battle for the Premier League took another dramatic twist. The Gunners were heading for a draw against Aston Villa before an Emi Martinez own goal put them in front in added time.
Meanwhile at the City Ground just a few hours later, City looked to be cruising back to the top of the table after Bernardo Silva's first half strike. However, with their first shot on target in a game in which they had 27% possession, Forest equalised through Chris Wood.
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There is still a minimum of 45 points up for grabs from now until May, but the Gunners have responded to their title setback in the best possible way. For close to two months, Arteta has had to cope without Gabriel Jesus and while Eddie Nketiah has filled in admirably when he's not scoring goals, which has happened in Arsenal's last four games, he does not offer as much as Jesus.
Arteta has also now had to cope without Thomas Partey for the last two games and his return does not appear much closer judging by Arteta's update ahead of Aston Villa. The Spaniard said: "He is not fit, he didn’t even train with us yesterday, he was not feeling good enough to do that. He probably needs another week."
In his absence, Jorginho has now delivered two superb midfield performances but Partey still remains as one of Arsenal's most important players. Following the two title rivals' contrasting results, Alan Shearer delivered his latest verdict on who will win the league naming Arsenal as the favourites, but only on one condition.
"I know Partey is out injured at the minute," he said on BBC Match of the Day. "If Arsenal can get him back and have a little bit of luck in between now and the end of the season with keeping those big-hitters free from injury, I think they will do it [win the title]."
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