Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge has its moment of ignition. Mikel Arteta and his players knew this was all but a must-win showpiece and they found a way to prevail, to clamber into second place and slash Liverpool’s lead at the top to a couple of points. Manchester City, who play at Brentford on Monday night, remain within striking distance of the summit. We have the prospect of a three-way shootout for the trophy.
Arsenal deserved to win on the balance of a frantic game, mainly because of the way they controlled the first half. But the manner of how they got themselves in front – decisively so – came as the surprise. Then again, it was that kind of wild and draining afternoon, the kind to have managers ready to pack it all in at the end of the season.
