It’s as you were in the title race after Manchester City failed to capitalise on Arsenal’s defeat to Everton.
Arsenal lost 1-0 at Goodison Park in Sean Dyche’s first game as Everton manager on Saturday. On Sunday, Manchester City traveled to White Hart Lane and lost 1-0 to a Harry Kane goal.
It’s curious that both teams, despite being the best in the league still lost at grounds where they have a poor record. The last time Arsenal won at Goodison Park was 2017. The last time Manchester City won away at Tottenham was 2018.
Read: Does Joao Cancelo Departure Reveal Cracks At City?
Arsenal can breathe as they are still five points clear in first place with a game in hand. Despite enjoying an unbelievable season so far, their trip to Everton still felt trepidatious.
There were a number of factors that contributed to their defeat, Everton’s new manager bounce first among them. Everton produced an archetypal hard-working, physical Dyche performance. Arsenal, not at their best, were caught cold.
As well as that, there is a slight emotional and mental element to it. This is a young, emotional Arsenal team. Their last league game was their incredibly dramatic and uplifting late 3-2 win over Manchester United.
There are fan accounts of people crying in the stadium after that game such was the catharsis of it. Additionally, it was the moment where the majority of the punditocracy accepted Arsenal as title favourites. A drop off in performance after that, while not ideal, was predictable.
Read: Chelsea Continue Hedonistic Transfer Policy With Fernandez Coup
In contrast, this City team is one lacking fire as Pep Guardiola has publicly stated multiple times. It doesn’t seem to have had the desired effect of motivating them. The differing moods at both clubs puts them on equal footing, despite City having the superior squad.
Their clash at the Emirates on February 15 is shaping up to be a decisive one in the title race. Youthful momentum VS ruthless brilliance, which will triumph? One thing is certain, City are going to have to work incredibly hard to retain their title.
