What if the 'worst' actually happens to Arsenal?

Arsenal are blocking out the ‘noise’ – but what if the ‘worst’ actually happens?

Manchester City and Arsenal don’t like each other, but they might learn from each other – right up to some bust-ups. Also in today’s members‑only newsletter:

It’s not the kind of thing anyone at Manchester City will say publicly, but a few players are hoping to maximise their resurgent recent form to make Arsenal ‘stay humble’. They, of course, remember. As do Arsenal. Sunday’s title showdown may involve the Premier League’s highest possible stakes, but such matches are always built on – and, in truth, elevated – by more human emotions. They get personal.

 

That is what has always made these games, going back to the Premier League’s first big one – Manchester United’s win away to Newcastle United in 1995–96. They loved it, and the rest of us love watching it.

 

That is felt all the more acutely because of how infrequent they are. This is arguably only the 13th or 14th great title showdown in the Premier League, give or take a few variables. Even that Newcastle-Manchester United game came in early March, making it borderline.

 

It goes without saying that some executives within the Premier League have raised the prospect of play-offs to get this every year, but enough people involved still understand what league football is all about. The fact you need a few elements to come together actually enhances it.

 

This enticing fixture between the top two has to come late enough in the season, with the two teams still close enough. The maths takes a bit of aligning.

 

The last two came in 2023-24 and 2022-23, both of which shape Sunday’s game. They significantly contributed to Mikel Arteta’s first two runner-up finishes, as he potentially faces a fourth in a row. In the latter, Arsenal accepted a 0-0 away draw when a win would likely have secured the title. In 2023, City showed a young Arsenal side who the masters were, with a 4-1 thrashing.

 

The prospect of a repeat, discussed in a wider piece here, weighs over this game. Arsenal are going to have to defy recent momentum – and a wave of criticism.

 

There are some at the club who believe certain players are far too aware of all the ‘noise’ surrounding the team, especially on social media.

 

While that 2023 defeat has since been cast as a crucial game in the development of Arteta’s Arsenal, some sources insist that is overplayed.

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How previous title showdowns between Arsenal and Manchester City hang over this weekend’s meeting – but not in the way you think. Read the full story in today’s Inside Football. Join for full access.

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