Manchester City is narrowing the gap on Arsenal in a thrilling Premier League title battle, and their supporters are fully aware of it.
During their impressive 3-0 win against Chelsea on Sunday, a City fan was caught on camera pretending to drink from an Arsenal-branded bottle after a goal, playfully mocking the notion that Mikel Arteta’s team is ‘bottling’ their opportunity to win the league for the first time in 22 years.
This incident encapsulated a dramatic weekend as Arsenal squandered the chance to extend their lead to 12 points, losing at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, while City managed to close the gap to just six points the following day.
City will host Arsenal next Sunday, providing them with a significant opportunity to further reduce the deficit, all while holding a game in hand against Burnley.
The two teams are entering this decisive stage of the season in contrasting form. City triumphed over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final and recently dismantled both Liverpool and Chelsea. In contrast, the Gunners have suffered three consecutive domestic losses.
“This is about City sending a message,” Sky Sports’ Gary Neville commented during Sunday’s broadcast. “This is a statement win.”
He continued, “Next Sunday’s game is massive, and it could very well define the Premier League season. Man City smells blood.”
“They’ll head into a full week of preparation for a huge clash that Pep Guardiola will undoubtedly relish on Sunday.”
While City prepares for the match against Arsenal, the Gunners will be occupied with a Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Sporting CP.