Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Tue 21 April 2026 11:26, UK

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The Premier League title race hit a critical moment when Manchester City beat Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Erling Haaland’s second-half strike ultimately decided the contest 2-1, after a game full of contentious moments and big chances.

Rayan Cherki put Man City in front after just 16 minutes, but their lead would last mere seconds until Kai Havertz closed down Gianluigi Donnarumma, deflecting his attempted clearance into his own net.

The Italian responded with a key save from the German at 1-1, and Eberechi Eze struck the post before Haaland capitalised on a ball into the box and netted the winner.

Man City’s form would suggest that they are well placed to go on and return to the top step of the Premier League, but Arsenal have not given up yet.

Supercomputer continues to back Arsenal to avoid collapse

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider on Monday that Mikel Arteta will face mounting questions at Arsenal should his team fail to win the Premier League or the Champions League.

The Gunners have won just one of their previous six games, and now find themselves under significant pressure going into the final five games of the league season.

It has been clear over the past few months that a potential collapse has been coming, with performances taking a severe drop off.

Arsenal lost to Man United in January, drew with Brentford and Wolves in February and lost to Bournemouth earlier this month in results that have all been far more damaging than Sunday’s.

But the race is not over. If Arteta’s side can get past Atletico Madrid, they will have eight games remaining this season, with hopes of a historic double well and truly alive.

Opta‘s supercomputer has backed them to do the job in the Premier League, handing them a 72.04 per cent chance, compared to Man City’s 27.96 per cent.

Remaining fixtures that will decide Premier League title race

In Arsenal’s current state, any upcoming team will fancy their chances, even at the Emirates Stadium.

Newcastle United will make the trip on Saturday, and Fulham and Burnley are still set to do so. It is the away games that the Gunners will be considering most dangerous, however.

West Ham will, in all likelihood, still be fighting for Premier League safety when Arteta’s side go there in May, but Crystal Palace may be focusing on a Conference League final just three days after the final day.

For Man City, trips to Everton and Bournemouth will be of consideration, while Brentford and Aston Villa could cause issues at the Etihad Stadium.

Goal difference will be a thought throughout, and it could well prove key on the final day.