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The Gunners’quest to win their first league title since 2004 all but ended at the Etihad Stadium after losing to Manchester City.
No perfect phrase describes Arsenal season more than “It is the hope that kills.” The Gunners were hoping to win their first league title since the Invincibles won the league in the 2003/2004 season.
Although this current Arsenal team had lost in the first half of the campaign, they looked like a side on a mission after amassing 50 points from their first 19 games.
The omens looked good for Arsenal then because teams who amassed 50 points or more after the 19 games had gone on to win the league title.
Still, there were doubts if Arsenal had the mental strength to see off champions and perennial winners Manchester City.
Although Arsenal were ahead then, the consensus was they would falter at the business end of the season, except for The Gunners faithful.
However, their hope came crashing down on Wednesday night after they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in the top-of-the-table clash.
The result means their fate is no longer in their hands, even though they are still two points ahead of the Champions.
Pep’s men have two games in hand and will go four points clear if they win the matches, meaning Arsenal are no longer in control of their destiny.
Although the game at the Etihad potentially ended their hopes of winning the league title, Arsenal lost the title before then.
We take a look at the games that cost Arsenal the league title.
Everton 1-0 Arsenal
The first crack in Arsenal’s title quest showed when they travelled to Goodison Park to take on Everton on February 4.
Before then, the Gunners had lost just one game in the league, a controversial 3-2 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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Arsenal went into the game against Everton as the clear favourite, as the Toffees were deep in a relegation battle then.
However, the Gunners would eventually suffer a shock 1-0 defeat, allowing Manchester City to close the gap.
Arsenal 1-1 Brentford
A week after they suffered their second loss of the season, Arsenal had the chance to set things right when they hosted Brentford at the Emirates Stadium.
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Mikel Arteta explains how his tactics were undone by Man City
Arsenal were dealt another huge blow in the title race on Wednesday night, as they were beaten 4-1 by Manchester City at the Etihad.
Although the Bees were clearly punching above their weight, Arteta’s men were still expected to make light work of them, especially with a big clash against the champions up next.
However, the Gunners dropped points again, managing just a point after Ivan Toney cancelled out Leandro Trossard’s opener.
In retrospect, Toney’s goal should not have counted as there was an offside in the build-up. The Gunners did receive an apology after the game, but it was a decision that cost them dearly in the title race.
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester City
Dropping points at home against Brentford dealt a further blow to Arsenal’s title chances, but they had the chance to make a statement in their next match against their main rivals Manchester City.
Arteta’s men hosted the Cityzens at the Emirates in a clash that was billed as the title decider. Coming into the game, Arsenal had lost ten league games in a row against City, so they had a chance to free themselves from the psychological hold Guardiola’s men had over them.
However, it was more of the same as City ran out as 3-1 winners despite Arsenal’s best efforts to make it competitive.
The match was seen as the moment Arsenal lost the league title, even though they went on another winning run after.
West Ham 2-2 Arsenal
The Gunners had given a two-goal lead against Liverpool in their previous game, but that could be excused as they had not beaten Liverpool at Anfield since 2012.
However, to do the same against a West Ham side in a relegation battle is inexcusable. Arsenal looked to be in cruise control after they took a two-goal lead inside 10 minutes.
But David Moyes’ men came back from the dead to secure an unlikely point, putting further damage on Arsenal’s hopes.
Arsenal 3-3 Southampton
The final straw. Having dropped points in their last two matches, Arsenal knew they had to beat Southampton to remain in contention with City ahead of the trip to the Etihad.
Everything pointed towards an Arsenal win as Southampton were sitting bottom of the table and dead certs for relegation.
However, Arsenal were being Arsenal again as they dropped points in a 3-3 thriller. It could have even been worse as Southampton were 3-1 up with ten minutes to go before Arsenal sparked a late fightback to secure a draw.
While the way they fought back was admirable, the result potentially ended their title hopes. There may still be seven games left to play, but Arsenal’s quest to win the league for the first time in 20 years is all but over.
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