At the start of April, Arsenal Football Club looked clear favorites to win the Premier League. With a sizeable advantage at the top, the team was hailed for its performances. However, as April comes to an end, the North London-based team finds themselves under immense pressure from fellow title challengers Manchester City.
Since April 9th, Arsenal has registered three consecutive draws against Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton respectively. In doing so, ‘The Gunners’ have dropped six points in two games which have left them under a lot of pressure. While they are still in #1st position, rivals Manchester City are just five points away from the North Londoners.
Considering the current scenario, things do not look very positive at Arsenal. However, Theo Walcott, a former Arsenal player, who recently played for Southampton against The Gunners in the 3-3 draw, credited his former team. Despite losing to City 4-1 earlier in the month, Walcott believes his former side is the best team in the league. He said:
"“Arsenal are just incredible. We played Man City the other week and I thought Arsenal were way better than them. That’s how I see Arsenal at the moment. We can take a lot of positives from this game because they [Arsenal] are the best team in this league at this moment in time.”"
While Walcott leaves his former team with a positive message, Arteta and his men have a lot to do. Based on their performances in the last three games, it is clear that the team has stumbled in the race toward the title. Even though a certain section of fans believe that a five-point gap is huge, ‘The Gunners’ face tough challenges ahead, and they wouldn’t want to blow up their chance of winning the league.
Arsenal face Manchester City in their next game
The next match for Arsenal is a must-win game. Mikel Arteta’s men will clash with second-placed Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. If Arteta and co manage to win, they will open an eight-point gap at the top. However, a loss will result in City trailing the North Londoners by only two points which could create immense pressure on The Gunners.
While Arsenal is capable of winning against City, it will be a difficult task considering the game will be played at City’s home. Also, based on form, City has been undefeated in their last fifteen games. Owing to their current form and tempo, City will be the favorites to beat Arteta’s men. However, at the end of the day, this is football, and anything can happen.