MANCHESTER (England) — The points were not shared, but a message was sent.

Arsenal The annual reality check at Etihad stadium has created an inferiority syndrome about Manchester City. The Gunners’ 0-0 draw on Sunday is tangible proof that they have earned their new-found self-confidence and can last the distance. Premier League Title race.

Here’s a way to get started if Mikel Arteta wants to avoid the mistakes made last season. Arsenal lost 4-1 at the Etihad in April 2023 after blowing an 8-point lead since the start of the season. This was a lesson that City would dominate once again.

The Gunners’ approach this time was almost excessively safety-first. But that was understandable. Arsenal has not won at this ground since January 2015. And they have been blown out by half-time quite often since then. Not this time.

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Manchester City had its chances. Nathan Aké wasted a chance as Kevin De BruyneThe 15th-minute corner landed him in the six-yard-box. Erling Haaland De Bruyne’s delivery in the final six minute missed his kick. City had just one shot despite having 72% possession, 198 passes in the final third and 198 completed passes compared to Arsenal’s 43.

Arteta reiterated this statistic in multiple interviews. It was only the 11th occasion in Pep Guardiola’s 459 competitive games that City had a single shot on target in a match. Arteta is responsible for three, and no other manager has done this more than once. The master taught the apprentice well.

Arteta said that Arsenal’s stoic performances “generates belief”. “It continues the momentum and good position that we are in. The fact that they are there and want more is a sign of how serious they are. They’re also demanding from themselves. It’s clear that the boys are very motivated. We’ll continue to do what we are doing.

“We are improving. Our competition is better and we know how to compete. You have to win to win championships. We were able today to draw, but we need to improve a great deal to win.”

Arsenal was unable to capitalise upon the odd threat moment. Gabriel Jesus Failure to meet Bukayo Saka‘s 52nd minute cross Leandro Trossard No substitutes available Gabriel Martinelli City were caught in the back just four minutes before the end of the match. Man City kept the game tight, but without their usual potency. A smash-and-grab win would have been harsh.

Arteta’s gradual improvement of Arsenal’s record in the Premier League against the traditional Big Six has been a success. However, City was the top team last season with 21 points. The Gunners came second with 19 points. This draw continues a trend of City’s significant decline in these important games this season.

City has only beaten Manchester United After taking six points away from Arsenal in the previous season, they only need to count Sunday’s one point.

Guardiola was not likely to be too upset with a tie, either, given that influential absentees like Éderson, Kyle Walker You can also find out more about the following: John Stones. City dictated the pace of the game, but did not take any risks. Perhaps subconsciously, they relied on their record of soaring to the finish line first in the final two months.

Guardiola has resorted to what can be described as “mind-games” by insisting that City is the third favorite after a weekend when they were beaten by Arsenal and Chelsea. Liverpool Liverpool moved two points ahead of Brighton with their 2-1 victory at Anfield.

Guardiola stated that “the first team to be ranked is always the favorite, followed by Arsenal and us as third.” “It’s out of our hands. We can only think about the next opponent. Aston Villa. If you are at the top of your league, as we have been in the past, you are a favourite.

“They defend very well, low blocks, and with great solidarity. It is hard to break them. We take a game, nine games and see what happens.”

Arsenal’s attacking statistics have made headlines in 2024. But their defending has improved significantly from last season. Arteta knows that the 43 league goals they conceded last season were too many. Since the Premier League began, title winners have averaged 32.1 goals.

William SalibaThe evidence continues to support the fact that’s absence was a major factor in Arsenal’s poor run last year. On Sunday, both the Frenchman and Gabriel Magalhaes The centre-backs were excellent, destroying Haaland in an impressive manner and frustrating the prolific Norwegian so much that heated words were exchanged after full time.

It remains to be determined who will win the title race. Liverpool is in the lead, City has the pedigree, but Arsenal looks better than ever to remain in the conversation.