Arsenal have effectively turned the tables on Manchester City in the Premier League title race, according to former England international Jamie Redknapp. A dominant 3-0 victory over Fulham not only widened their lead at the summit to six points but also gave them a four‑goal advantage on goal difference, with the Gunners now boasting 67 goals compared with City’s 66. City briefly reclaimed the top spot after beating Arsenal last month, yet the Gunners have responded with two consecutive wins, putting the onus on Pep Guardiola’s side to deliver results in their upcoming fixtures.
Their next league test is an away match against Everton on Monday Night Football, a game that Redknapp believes will be a crucial barometer for City’s title hopes. "This Manchester City team can blow teams away, but what Arsenal have done is flip the pressure onto them. Anything can still happen, but I think Arsenal are favourites," the Sky Sports pundit said, underscoring the psychological edge the Gunners now enjoy.
The Fulham triumph also boosted Arsenal’s goal‑difference lead to four, a margin that could prove decisive if the title is decided on that metric. Redknapp highlighted the remaining Premier League fixtures for Arsenal – matches against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace – as prime opportunities to further consolidate their advantage. Meanwhile, City still have to face Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa. "For Manchester City, the Bournemouth game will be Andoni Iraola’s last home match, so there will be a celebration and Bournemouth will want to put on a show," Redknapp noted, pointing out that every remaining game carries extra narrative weight.
He added, "Everton away against a David Moyes side is always going to be difficult, and Brentford are pushing for European spots. If it comes down to goal difference, I look at Arsenal’s remaining fixtures as a big advantage. The Burnley home game, in particular, could be a turning point. If Arsenal can win that match by a large margin, say three or four goals, they will dramatically improve their goal‑difference buffer." Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson echoed the sentiment, warning that if the Gunners secure victories in their final three league games, City will be forced to chase an increasingly steep hill.
"If Arsenal win their next three Premier League matches, Manchester City will have to pull up trees," Merson said, referencing the difficulty of overturning a sizable goal‑difference deficit. He also mentioned the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 16, suggesting that City’s focus could be split between the league and cup commitments. "They will always be playing catch‑up unless they win big against Everton and Brentford.
If Arsenal keep winning, the goal‑difference battle could become the decisive factor," Merson explained. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, especially in the first half of the Fulham game. When asked whether the win sent a message to Manchester City, Arteta replied that the victory was aimed primarily 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 and individual displays, highlighting the aggressive, high‑pressing style the team employed. "We started the game the way we wanted – very aggressive and lively, with great attacking combinations and an intense press.
The crowd’s energy helped create an atmosphere that makes it difficult for the opposition," he added. He also noted the importance of squad depth, mentioning that more players were available for the Fulham match than in previous games where injuries had taken a toll. "It was a good balance of qualities. The boys delivered a great performance, showing authority, determination and composure.
We brought a lot of energy to the stadium and they responded brilliantly – it was a big win," Arteta concluded. Looking ahead, the Gunners must maintain their momentum against West Ham United, who are fighting for a European place, then take on a resilient Burnley side at the Emirates, and finally host Crystal Palace, a team capable of causing upsets. Each of these fixtures offers a chance to add to their goal tally and protect their lead.
For Manchester City, the schedule is equally demanding. An away trip to Everton presents a test against a well‑organised David Moyes side, while Brentford’s push for Europe means they will be highly motivated. The Bournemouth fixture carries emotional significance, and a clash with Aston Villa – a team already secure in the top five – could be a relatively easier hurdle, but complacency must be avoided. In summary, the title race has entered a critical phase.
Arsenal’s recent performances have shifted the psychological pressure onto Manchester City, and the next few weeks will likely determine whether the Gunners can convert their current advantage into a championship, or if City can mount a late surge to reclaim the crown. The battle for points, goal difference, and momentum is now more intense than ever, and fans of both clubs can expect a thrilling conclusion to the season.