The Premier League title race is set to go right to the wire this season. Arsenal have been the surprise leaders for much of the season, with Mikel Arteta's Gunners project hitting heady heights much earlier than anyone would have expected.
With Liverpool and Chelsea both struggling for form, it is only serial winners Manchester City who are on Arsenal's tail. But while others have faltered, having Pep Guardiola's team chasing you is worrying enough.
Arsenal's advantage was eight points just two weeks ago. Now, however, it is down to four, with City holding a game in hand to boot.
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And the two title challengers have to go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium in just over a week's time in what could be a winner takes all clash. Arsenal have stuttered of late to hand Man City the initiative somewhat.
Leading 2-0 away at Liverpool last week, Arsenal let that lead slip to draw 2-2 at Anfield. A draw away at Anfield is not the worst result, even with Liverpool's form this season, but it then happened again at the weekend.
Arsenal made the short trip across London to face struggling West Ham - who had played in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night - and soared into a 2-0 lead after just ten minutes. But they let that lead slip again, drawing 2-2 with Bukayo Saka missing a penalty at 2-1 up.
All that means the title race is, strangely, in both teams' hands. If either side wins all their games they will be crowned champions, by virtue of the fact they face each other next midweek.
However, after the disappointment of dropping points in their last two games, Arsenal have something of a title boost this weekend. The Gunners can open up a seven-point lead at the top of the table and City can do absolutely nothing about it.
City are in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend, taking on Championship side Sheffield United. Meanwhile, Arsenal take on Southampton - bottom of the table - on Friday night.
Pick up a win and Arteta's side will open up a seven-point gap atop the table. City will have two games in hand, of course, but it would pile the pressure on Guardiola's side ahead of the meeting between the two teams, which will be City's next game.
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