Arsenal must keep themselves five points clear of Manchester City going into the international break to give themselves a shot at winning the Premier League title.
That's the verdict of Jamie Carragher, who feels that it's "50-50" whether or not the Gunners will finish as champions. With 12 games remaining, including a mouth-watering clash between the two title contenders in City's backyard on April 26, Arsenal are in pole position to get their hands on a first league crown in 19 years.
After Saturday's 3-2 comeback victory over rock-bottom Bournemouth, in which the Gunners miraculously snatched all three points in the 97th minute, Carragher has set them a target of at least maintaining their five-point lead following their final two league matches before the March international break.
"I've been going with Arsenal of late, I do think it's a 50-50 [race]," the Liverpool legend told Sky Sports. "I think Arsenal do need the lead they've got on Manchester City.
"I think City are stronger in a lot of areas in terms of what they've got off the bench to change a game. I just think Arsenal need to get to the international break in the same position."
So, with Carragher laying down the gauntlet, how difficult of a challenge will that be for Arteta and co?
Arsenal will play twice in the Premier League before the end of this month and City only once, it's even possible for the Gunners to boast a lofty eight-point lead heading into the international fixtures. Up first is a tricky trip to Fulham this coming Sunday before a home game a week later against Crystal Palace, who've been a bogey team for Arsenal in recent years.
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The Fulham game is sandwiched by a Europa League last-16 clash with Sporting Lisbon, with Arteta set to lead his men to the Portuguese capital this Thursday prior to next week's second leg at home. As for City, they face Palace away from home this Saturday before an FA Cup quarter-final clash with Burnley the following weekend.
Between those games is a crucial Champions League round-of-16 second leg against RB Leipzig, with City managing a 1-1 draw in Germany and hoping to do the business on home soil.
Each manager insists that they're taking their campaign game by game, with Arsenal boss Arteta saying: "I don't think there is a need for any extra motivation. We know the difficulty of the challenge, we are really looking forward to it and we go game by game."
