The league table never lies, apparently. It may do now. A supposed title decider ended with the side still in second nevertheless possessing the advantage. It has been Arsenal’s title to lose for months, but perhaps this defeat means it is being lost.
They had retreated down the tunnel at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City went on their lap of honour, a bare-chested Erling Haaland letting his hair run free, Pep Guardiola directing kisses to the crowd, Gianluigi Donnarumma beating the badge on his chest, relieved the biggest error of his season had become a footnote, not the faulty footwork that determined the destination of the trophy.
