Arsenal have effectively turned the tables on Manchester City in the Premier League title race after their dominant 3-0 victory over Fulham, which stretched their lead at the summit to six points, according to former England international Jamie Redknapp. City had briefly reclaimed the top spot with a win against Arsenal last month, but the Gunners have responded with two consecutive victories, putting pressure back on Pep Guardiola’s side to deliver points in their next two league fixtures, beginning with an away trip to Everton on Monday Night Football. Redknapp, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, explained that the nature of the contest has changed dramatically.
"Manchester City are capable of overwhelming any opponent, but what Arsenal have done is flip the pressure onto them. Anything can still happen, but I think Arsenal are now the favourites," he said, highlighting the psychological edge the Gunners have gained.
The win over Fulham also widened Arsenal’s goal‑difference advantage over City to four, with the north London side having scored 67 goals compared with City’s 66. This margin could prove decisive if the title race goes down to the wire, making every remaining match crucial for both clubs.
Looking ahead, Redknapp believes Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixtures – against West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace – present a golden opportunity to cement their superiority. "If they can pick up three points in each of those games, they will make it very hard for City to catch up," he noted.
Meanwhile, City still have a challenging run that includes trips to Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa. He added a note of caution about the Bournemouth clash, pointing out that it will be Andoni Iraola’s final home game, which could inspire a spirited performance from the hosts. "Bournemouth will want to put on a show, and that could make it a tricky encounter for City," Redknapp warned. The former striker also highlighted the difficulty of playing away at Everton under David Moyes, as well as the fact that Brentford are pushing for a European place.
"If it comes down to goal difference, Arsenal’s remaining fixtures give them a big advantage. The Burnley game at home, in particular, could be a turning point," he said. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson echoed the sentiment, suggesting that if the Gunners win their final three league matches, City will be forced to chase a substantial goal‑difference deficit.
"If Arsenal take all three points, Manchester City will have to pull up trees," Merson joked, before stressing that the FA Cup final against Chelsea on 16 May will add another layer of pressure on the champions. Merson warned that City could find themselves constantly playing catch‑up unless they secure big wins against Everton and Brentford, which would allow them to swing the momentum back in their favour. He also pointed out that a victory over Aston Villa could be pivotal, as Villa are already guaranteed a top‑five finish and could be competing in a Europa League final the week before. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight with the team’s performance against Fulham, especially the first‑half display.
When asked whether the win sent a message to Manchester City, Arteta replied that it was aimed at his own squad. "It tells us and the dressing room that we keep the dream alive," he said during the post‑match press conference. Arteta praised the collective effort, noting the aggressive start, lively attacking combinations and high‑press intensity. "We got the crowd involved, and when the stadium creates that atmosphere it can be difficult for the opponent," he added.
He also highlighted the balance of the team, acknowledging that some players were missing but others stepped up to deliver a superb performance. "We showed authority, determination and composure," Arteta continued. "We brought a lot of energy to the stadium, and the players responded brilliantly.
It was a big win for us." In summary, Arsenal’s recent triumph has not only extended their points lead but also shifted the psychological pressure onto Manchester City. With a superior goal difference and a favourable run of fixtures, the Gunners are now in a strong position to maintain their advantage, while City must navigate a demanding schedule and find ways to close the gap before the season draws to a close.