Arsenal may be sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League, but nobody inside the Emirates will be celebrating too early.
The Gunners did their job with a convincing 3-0 win over Fulham, a result that lifted them to 76 points from 35 matches, while Manchester City remain on 70 points from 33 games.
That means City still have two games in hand, and the title race is now entering a tense and dangerous stage.
Mikel Arteta’s side produced the kind of performance that champions are expected to deliver under pressure.
Viktor Gyokeres was outstanding, scoring twice and showing his importance in Arsenal’s attack, while Bukayo Saka also found the net in a much-needed return to form and fitness.
The win was not only about three points; it was about sending a message that Arsenal are still alive, still focused, and still ready to fight until the final day.
But the problem for Arsenal is simple: Manchester City are still Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side have made a habit of finishing seasons strongly, and with two matches in hand, they have a golden chance to change the mood of the title race before Arsenal play again.
City’s upcoming league fixtures include Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa, giving them five remaining league matches compared to Arsenal’s three.
Arsenal’s remaining league fixtures are not easy either.
The Gunners still have to face West Ham away, Burnley at home, and Crystal Palace away on the final day.
On paper, Arsenal are in control because they already have the points.
In reality, every match now carries enormous pressure because one slip could open the door for City.
That is what makes this title race so fascinating. Arsenal have the lead, the confidence and a better position on the table, but City have the matches in hand and the experience of handling these moments.
If City win their next two games, the six-point gap disappears and the pressure returns straight back to Arsenal. Suddenly, every pass, every missed chance and every defensive mistake could feel season-defining.
For Arteta, the challenge is mental as much as tactical. Arsenal have shown quality all season, but now they must show maturity.
It is no longer just about playing beautiful football; it is about managing pressure, controlling emotions and finding a way to win even when the performance is not perfect.
Champions are not only judged by how they play when things are easy, but by how they respond when the pressure becomes heavy.
City, meanwhile, know exactly what is in front of them. They do not need to talk too much.
They just need to keep winning. Guardiola’s players have been in this position before, and that experience could become a huge advantage in the final stretch. Arsenal can lead the race, but City will believe they can still hunt them down.
The title is now balanced between points on the board and games in hand. Arsenal have done their job for now, but the job is far from finished.
The Gunners are leading, City are chasing, and the Premier League trophy could still be decided by nerves, belief and one final twist.