Arsenal have effectively turned the tables on Manchester City in the Premier League title race, according to former England international Jamie Redknapp. The Gunners’ commanding 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, putting the pressure squarely on Pep Guardiola’s side to respond in their upcoming fixtures. Redknapp pointed out that City briefly reclaimed the top spot after beating Arsenal last month, but the Gunners have since recorded two consecutive wins, forcing the Citizens to produce results in their next two league matches, beginning with an away trip to Everton on Monday Night Football.
“This Manchester City side can dismantle opponents in a single game, but what Arsenal have done is flip the pressure onto them. Anything can still happen, but I think Arsenal are the favourites now,” the Sky Sports pundit said. The three‑goal haul on Saturday also extended Arsenal’s goal‑difference edge over City to four, with the north London club having scored 67 goals compared with City’s 66. Redknapp believes the remaining Premier League fixtures for Arsenal – against West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace – present a golden opportunity to cement their advantage and make it even harder for City to catch up.
Manchester City, on the other hand, still have a busy schedule that includes trips to Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa. Redknapp highlighted the Bournemouth clash as a potential turning point, noting that it will be Andoni Iraola’s final home game for the Cherries, which could spur a celebratory atmosphere and a spirited performance from the hosts.
“Everton away against a David Moyes‑led side is always a tough test, and Brentford are pushing for a European spot. If it comes down to goal difference, Arsenal’s remaining games give them a huge advantage. The Burnley fixture at home especially stands out as a chance to boost that margin.” Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson echoed the sentiment, warning that if the Gunners win their last three league games, City will be forced to chase an increasingly steep hill.
“If Arsenal take all three of their remaining Premier League matches, Manchester City will have to pull up trees. With the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 16, City will be playing catch‑up for the rest of the season unless they produce a massive win over Everton and Brentford. That could swing the momentum back to Arsenal, leaving City perpetually on the back foot and eventually taking its toll.” Merson also suggested that the easiest of City’s remaining games – against Aston Villa – could become a pivotal moment in the goal‑difference battle, especially if City are already assured of a top‑five finish and are juggling a Europa League final the week before.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was visibly pleased with his side’s performance against Fulham, particularly the intensity displayed in the first half. When asked whether the win sent a message to Manchester City, Arteta replied that it was a message aimed at his own players. “It tells us in the dressing room that we keep the dream alive,” he said during the post‑match press conference. Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta elaborated on the quality of the display: “It was a great team performance from the start, with several individual moments that were crucial.
We began the game exactly the way we wanted – aggressive, lively, with sharp attacking combinations and a high‑press that kept them on the back foot. The crowd’s energy helped create an atmosphere that can be intimidating for the opposition. We had more players available than in recent weeks, which allowed us to strike a good balance across the pitch. The lads showed authority, determination and composure, bringing a lot of energy into the stadium and responding brilliantly.
It was the type of game we expected and a big win for us.” Looking ahead, Arsenal’s schedule offers both challenges and opportunities. The West Ham clash at the London Stadium will test their defensive resilience, while the Burnley game at the Emirates could provide a chance to further widen the goal‑difference gap if the Gunners can replicate the clinical finishing they showed against Fulham. The final fixture against Crystal Palace will likely be a decisive encounter, as both teams will be fighting for European places as well as the chance to finish the season on a high note.
For Manchester City, the road ahead is equally demanding. After the Everton test, they travel to Brentford, a side that has been punching above its weight and could cause an upset. The subsequent matches against Palace, Bournemouth and Villa will require consistency and perhaps a few big‑score victories to erase the deficit. Guardiola will need to manage his squad rotation carefully, especially with the FA Cup final looming, to keep his players fresh and motivated.
In summary, Arsenal’s recent triumph has not only given them a six‑point cushion at the top but also shifted the psychological burden onto Manchester City. With a superior goal‑difference and a relatively smoother run of fixtures, the Gunners are in a strong position to maintain their lead, while City must deliver flawless performances in their remaining games to keep their title hopes alive.