Despite four games without a win, Arsenal are still top of the Premier League table. Manchester City having two games in hand does mean they hold the advantage, but the Gunners are still firmly in a title race with just a month to go of the season.
Understandably, there is concern creeping out of the Arsenal fanbase as a 4-1 defeat against Man City saw Pep Guardiola's team snatch back control. But, upon reflection, not many had even predicted Arsenal to secure a top-four spot, yet their place in next season's Champions League has already been secured with five games still to play.
Positivity is not exactly high in north London currently, but this young and hungry team had absolutely no right to be challenging for the league title against the Premier League's juggernaut. Even before City added Erling Haaland to their ranks, they looked domestically unbeatable, but they have been pushed to their absolute limit by Mikel Arteta and his players.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on title race, Odegaard's verdict and Man City loss
Despite many believing the title is now decided, City could drop points in the run-in and if so, Arsenal must be there to take advantage. With that said, football.london has taken a look at three reasons why Arsenal should not give up their Premier League title hopes.
1. Fixture congestion
The obvious advantage Arsenal have, and have known could be prominent near the end of the season, is the amount of fixtures Man City still have. Guardiola must prepare his team for at least 10 fixtures, which is twice as many as Arsenal, with a possible 11th likely to fill the mind of the City boss as it would be a Champions League final.
City will play twice every week in the month of May with a two-legged Champions League tie against Real Madrid smack bang in the middle of their run-in. In between those games is a clash against relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park.
Guardiola has notoriously struggled on the Blue half of Merseyside, with Arsenal suffering a slip-up of their own away to Everton under Sean Dyche. If points are to be dropped anywhere it could be on May 14 with Guardiola focused on Madrid.
2. Nottingham Forest omen
When Manchester City beat Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in February, Guardiola's men looked set to stride onto the Premier League title. The three points over the Gunners took City top of the league, but in their very next game they once again found themselves in second after dropping points to Nottingham Forest.
City completely dominated Forest at the City Ground, but ultimately only came away with one point after a huge win against Arsenal. This weekend City take on Fulham at Craven Cottage - again it would be expected for City to dominate and win the game, but that is not a guarantee.
On the back of a crucial win, City could falter again like they did earlier in the season and if that does occur, Arsenal must be ready to take advantage against Chelsea the following Tuesday.
3. Real Madrid
As has been mentioned, Real Madrid, despite playing in La Liga, could play a huge role in the Premier League title battle between Man City and Arsenal.
In the 2021/22 season, Madrid and City met in the Champions League semi-finals and are set for a repeat in this campaign. From Arsenal's perspective, they will be hoping for an exact repeat where Madrid qualified for the final at the expense of City.
It was also done in dramatic fashion with Los Blancos scoring two late goals which took the game to extra time. Karim Benzema then scored the decisive goal which placed Madrid in the final and if the Spanish giants can repeat that feat it could knock the confidence of City with the heavily sought-after treble out of reach.
City will still have three league games to play after the Madrid tie and at the end of a gut-busting season, fatigue could enter the frame, while Arsenal have been playing one game a week since their Europa League exit.
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