Arsenal have effectively turned the tables on Manchester City in the Premier League title race after their emphatic 3-0 victory over Fulham, a result that 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 altered the psychological dynamics of the contest, placing the onus on Pep Guardiola's side to respond in their remaining fixtures.
City had briefly reclaimed the top spot with a win against Arsenal earlier in the month, but the Gunners have now recorded two consecutive league triumphs, forcing the defending champions to deliver results in their upcoming matches, beginning with an away trip to Everton on Monday Night Football. Redknapp observed, "Manchester City are capable of dismantling opponents in a single game, yet Arsenal have now flipped the pressure onto them.
Anything can still happen, but I believe Arsenal are the favourites at this stage." The three-goal haul also widened Arsenal's goal‑difference advantage to four, with the Gunners having scored 67 goals compared with City’s 66. This slim margin could prove decisive if the title is decided on that basis. Redknapp highlighted the significance of Arsenal’s remaining league fixtures – against West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace – as chances to further cement their lead and increase the differential. Meanwhile, City still have to face Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
He added, "The Bournemouth game will be Andoni Iraola’s last at home, so there will be a celebration atmosphere, and Bournemouth will be eager to put on a show. For Manchester City, an away match at Everton against a David Moyes‑led side will always be tough, and Brentford are pushing for a European place. If it comes down to goal difference, Arsenal’s upcoming games give them a clear edge. The Burnley clash at the Emirates, in particular, could be a turning point.
If both teams win all their remaining matches, Arsenal will need a big win – perhaps 3‑0 or 4‑0 – to boost their goal difference and create a substantial gap." Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson echoed the sentiment, warning that if the Gunners secure victories in their final three league outings, City will face an uphill battle. "If Arsenal win their next three Premier League matches, Manchester City will have to pull up trees," he said, referring to the difficulty of overturning the deficit. He noted that the FA Cup final against Chelsea on 16 May adds further pressure, as City would be playing catch‑up unless they achieve sizeable wins against Everton and Brentford. Merson suggested that a victory over Aston Villa, a team already assured of a top‑five finish, could be the decisive goal‑difference swing.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed delight with his side’s performance, especially in the first half, but clarified that the win was a message to his own players rather than a direct challenge to City. "It tells us and the dressing room that we keep the dream alive," Arteta said in the post‑match press conference. He praised the collective effort, noting the aggressive start, lively attacking combinations, and intense high‑press that unsettled Fulham. "We got the crowd going, and when the stadium creates that atmosphere it can be difficult for the opponent.
It was the type of game we expected, with a good balance of qualities and a lot of authority, determination and composure from the boys," he added. Looking ahead, the Gunners will travel to West Ham United, then host Burnley before finishing the season at home against Crystal Palace. Each fixture presents an opportunity to add to their goal tally and protect their lead. The Burnley match, in particular, is seen as a potential goal‑difference bonanza; a high‑scoring win could make the gap insurmountable for City.
Conversely, City’s schedule includes a potentially tricky away game at Everton, a clash with Brentford who are fighting for a European spot, and a home fixture against Bournemouth that may be emotionally charged due to Iraola’s farewell. If both clubs win all of their remaining games, the title could still hinge on the final goal‑difference count. Arsenal’s superior scoring record – 67 to City’s 66 – combined with a four‑goal advantage in the differential gives them a slight edge, but the margin remains narrow.
The Gunners will need to maintain defensive solidity while continuing to find the net, especially against teams like Burnley that may concede heavily. In summary, the recent victory over Fulham has not only extended Arsenal’s lead but also shifted the psychological burden onto Manchester City.
With several crucial games left for both sides, the title race remains finely balanced, and the next few weeks will likely determine whether Arsenal can cement their dominance or if City can rally and reclaim the summit. The battle for the Premier League crown is far from over, and fans can expect a thrilling climax as the two clubs vie for the ultimate prize.