Arsenal Sets A New Low For Champions

BusinessSportsMoneyArsenal Sets A New Low For ChampionsByZak Garner-Purkis,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. An investigative journalist who also writes about European soccer.Follow AuthorApr 21, 2026, 03:32am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Eberechi Eze of Arsenal and goalkeeper David Raya after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)Visionhaus/Getty Images​In the wake of Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, a strange narrative began to emerge.The league leaders might have suffered a damaging six-point swing in the title race, but in the eyes of some pundits, there was a lot of reason for hope.Rather than being routed, which let’s be honest, should have been a highly unlikely outcome, the Gunners had created some chances and only lost by a single goal.Though on the back foot, Mikel Arteta’s team still had missed chances."Arsenal played well today. They couldn’t come here and freeze, and didn't," said ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville on Sky Sports."They were much better in terms of energy, playing more on the front foot, creating chances, and they were much better than they have been, but they just fell short," added Alan Shearer on CBS.Tim Sherwood argued that City’s defeat relieved pressure on Arsenal.“I was impressed with Arsenal yesterday, I thought they should have got a draw out of the game.“I still think Arsenal are going to win it. I just think there are enough dropped points there, tough games, I think Manchester City have got the tougher run-in, I really do.“Now the pressure’s off. It’s like a boxing match where you know it’s lost. You’re winning on points and you need to start throwing haymakers and I think...