For so long, the trip to Manchester City was weighing on Arsenal’s mind. The fear of the worst-case scenario was torturing their psyche: that their nine-point advantage would be wiped out in a matter of 11 days. That’s exactly what transpired – and suddenly, Arsenal are playing with a semblance of freedom again.
Arsenal came into their clash with Newcastle – one of five potentially title-deciding outings remaining in their Premier League season – knocked off the top of the table after a 200-day stint. Mikel Arteta denied there was any psychological impact to being second, but it didn’t seem that way.
