Leaving the Etihad Stadium is rarely deflating but following the result against Everton this weekend, many will have felt a sinking feeling.
City had the better of the first half against Frank Lampard's Toffees and deservedly went into the interval a goal up. However, instead of inspired play from the opposition turning the match around, it was actually a moment out of both teams' control which would swing the match back into the balance.
During a lengthy stoppage, while the assistant referee's communication technology was fixed, Everton managed to break City's rhythm and were level following an uncharacteristic mistake from Rodri and a piece of brilliance from Demarai Gray. The Blues pushed for the winner but credit must go to the relegation-threatened visitors who managed to frustrate the hosts to earn a creditable point.
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Blues fans heading back into Manchester for New Year's celebrations will have been further aggravated when Arsenal rushed into a two-goal advantage in the late kick-off against Brighton and Hove Albion. The eventual 4-2 victory on the south coast was impressive considering the Seagulls' form this season but was crucial in the grand scheme of things too.
Pep Guardiola's men now find themselves seven points behind the Gunners heading into 2023. It is concerning if you are a City supporter but last season can be used as a source of optimism for the Blues.
Arsenal looked for all the world like they were going to comfortably finish in the top four. But the pressure would eventually be too much for Mikel Arteta's young side.
Inexplicably, the Gunners dropped points in the latter half of the season. This was compounded with defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby which confined Arsenal to Europa League football this campaign. A similar collapse is not off the cards in the new year either.
The next five league fixtures for the Gunners will be crucial in determining how much they have learnt from last season. A visit from Newcastle United on Tuesday will be followed by Spurs next week, Manchester United the week after, a tricky trip to Everton on Saturday, February 4 before welcoming an in-form Brentford to the Emirates seven days later.
At this stage, it seems impossible that the Gunners will not slip up during that run and City must be ready to capitalise as and when they do. Guardiola's side must also bare in mind that they still have two clashes with Arsenal to come before May.
Dropping points to Everton was not ideal but the title race still has plenty of twists and turns to come. City may start 2023 at a disadvantage but Arsenal are the ones with the pressure on and with the most questions left to answer.
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