Arsenal have effectively turned the tables on Manchester City in the Premier League championship battle after their commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham, which stretched their lead at the summit to six points, according to former England international Jamie Redknapp. The win not only gave the Gunners a comfortable cushion but also handed them a four‑goal advantage on goal difference – Arsenal have netted 67 goals compared with City’s 66 – making the race even tighter. City briefly reclaimed the top spot after beating Arsenal in a high‑profile clash last month, but the Gunners have responded by winning two successive league games. That momentum now forces Pep Guardiola’s side to produce results in their next two fixtures, beginning with an away trip to Everton on Monday Night Football.
Redknapp highlighted the significance of the shift, stating, "This Manchester City outfit can demolish opponents, but Arsenal have now flipped the pressure onto them. Anything can still happen, yet I see Arsenal as the favourites at this stage." Looking ahead, Arsenal still have three Premier League matches left – against West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace – which Redknapp believes present a golden opportunity to solidify their advantage. Meanwhile, City’s remaining schedule includes trips to Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
Redknapp pointed out that the Bournemouth game will be a special occasion for Andoni Iraola, who will be playing his final home match for the Cherries, and that Bournemouth will be eager to put on a show in front of their supporters. He also warned that an away encounter at Everton, managed by David Moyes, will be a tough test for City, and that Brentford, who are pushing for a European place, will not be easy opponents either. "If it comes down to goal difference, Arsenal’s remaining fixtures give them a clear edge.
The Burnley game at home, in particular, could be decisive," Redknapp explained. He added that if both teams win all of their outstanding matches, Arsenal would need a sizable victory – perhaps a 3‑0 or 4‑0 win over Burnley – to keep their goal‑difference buffer intact, turning that match into a pivotal moment in the title race.
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson echoed the sentiment, suggesting that a clean sweep of Arsenal’s final three league games would leave City scrambling. "If the Gunners win their last three Premier League fixtures, Manchester City will have to pull out all the stops," Merson said. He noted that the FA Cup final against Chelsea on 16 May could further distract City, forcing them to chase the Gunners unless they produce big wins at Everton and Brentford.
Merson also highlighted the relative ease of City’s upcoming game against Aston Villa, a match that could become the decisive goal‑difference battle if City’s form dips. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed great satisfaction with his side’s performance against Fulham, especially the first‑half display. When asked whether the victory sent a message to Manchester City, Arteta replied that it 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.
He praised the collective effort, noting the aggressive start, fluid attacking combinations, and high‑press intensity that characterised the game. "We got the crowd involved, and when the stadium creates that atmosphere it can be very difficult for the opposition," Arteta added. Arteta continued, "It was the type of game we wanted – we had more players available than in previous matches, and despite some injuries we managed a good balance of qualities. The boys showed authority, determination and composure, bringing energy to the stadium and receiving a brilliant response from the fans.
It was a big win for us." The broader context of the title race underscores how crucial every point and every goal has become. With only a handful of games left, both Arsenal and Manchester City will be looking to maximise their points tally while also protecting or improving their goal difference. For Arsenal, the next three fixtures are not just about securing three more wins; they are about maintaining the psychological edge that comes from being the team that has forced City to chase them. For Manchester City, the challenge is to respond positively to the pressure.
Their upcoming matches against Everton and Brentford will test their resilience, while the Bournemouth and Aston Villa games could provide opportunities to rebuild confidence. Guardiola will need to manage his squad rotation carefully, ensuring key players are fit for the decisive moments while also keeping the team motivated after a period of intense competition.
In summary, the Premier League title race has entered a critical phase where Arsenal have successfully shifted the pressure onto Manchester City. With a six‑point lead, a superior goal difference, and three games remaining, the Gunners are in a strong position, but the outcome will still hinge on how both sides perform in the final stretch of the season.
The next few weeks promise high drama, tactical battles, and potentially historic moments as the two clubs vie for the coveted league crown.