Mikel Arteta and Arsenal need to make a statement vs Man City to avoid fresh heartbreak

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal need to make a statement vs Man City to avoid fresh heartbreakThe pressure is growing on Arsenal and Mikel Arteta as he looks to finally get the north London outfit over the line in a title race - but Manchester City are closing in againCommentsSportJohn Cross Chief Football Writer22:30, 17 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesMikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola are once again fighting for the Premier League title(Image: GLYN KIRK, AFP via Getty Images)Mikel Arteta has been in this position before - and maybe that is why so many doubts are surrounding Arsenal’s title challenge.‌By the time Sunday’s potential decider at Manchester City kicks off, Arsenal will have been top of the Premier League for 198 days. Not quite as long as in 2022/23 when they were top for 248 days which is the most for any team which failed to win the title. City also hunted them down in 2023/24. Even after blowing the title in the past, this time would feel even worse and more cruel.‌That is why Arsenal have to stand up and be counted on Sunday to restore belief and confidence into a season which is on the edge. Pep Guardiola’s City are playing with flair while Arsenal look to have hit the wall at just the wrong time.‌Amid the doom and gloom, it is easy to forget that Arsenal have been the best team in the Premier League for the vast majority of the season, they are into the semi-finals of the Champions League and are still in pole position in the title race.READ MORE: Arsenal issue Bukayo Saka injury update as four key stars wait on Man City green lightEven if City win on Sunday, Opta gives Arsenal a 69 percent chance of winning the title. If it is a draw, they say Arsenal have an 89 percent chance. If they win, it will be 98 per cent in Arsenal’s favour.‌But Arsenal need a performance to make a statement as much as anything because this is a team which is in danger of faltering again. They look tired. They have a growing injury list. But they still have an incredible opportunity to win...