Has the Premier League title now shifted in favour of Arsenal after Manchester City dropped important points against Everton?

Manchester City must now rely on other teams to climb the Premier League standings. (Image credits - FMT, License Details)

Manchester City were held to a 3-3 stalemate against Everton at Goodison Park in Merseyside. The Toffees threw a 3-1 lead late in the game as Jeremy Doku fought back for Pep Guardiola's side. The Belgian winger rescued the Citizens, but now the Premier League has taken a huge twist as Man City now have 71 points, five below Arsenal. Even if Guardiola's side wins their game in hand, they'll still be two points below the Gunners, who have an opportunity to win the Premier League title if they win all of their remaining games.

Man City had dominated the first half completely and was looking like the favourite to take all three points back home. Jeremy Doku curled in a brilliant goal in the 43rd minute to give his team a deserved lead at half time. However, in the second half the visitors completely switched off, and they paid the price for it. The hosts took the lead within just 13 minutes, in a spell where they dominated the game. Defender Marc Guehi’s disastrous error led to the goal from Thierno Barry.

Not only was Manchester City poor at the back but also the home side. Their terrible defending in the crucial minutes aided Haaland to capitalise and reduce the lead to just one goal. Doku curled in another goal to complete his brace and rescue a massive point for the Citizens in the context of the Premier League title race. A loss could've been a huge setback for Pep Guardiola's side. However, this result is a cause of celebration in the Arsenal camp, who have steered five points clear at the top now. The city now have to rely on the Gunners to drop points and win their remaining games if they are to win the title.

Doku’s equaliser also set a record on the night. His equaliser in the 96:49 minute was their third latest goal in a Premier League game after John Stones' strike against Arsenal in September 2024 (97:14) and Gabriel Jesus' goal against Everton in February 2019 (96:52). However, Opta also shows a negative stat for Manchester City this year. Pep Guardiola's side have dropped the most points from winning positions in the Premier League (12) alongside Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. Doku has become a saviour for Man City, recently scoring six goals in his last five games, and his form has peaked right when his club needs him the most.

Arsenal now have the Premier League title in their own hands, and it's theirs to lose now. Mikel Arteta's side are now just three wins away from clinching their first Premier League title since 2004 and also their first silverware since lifting the FA Cup back in 2020. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry said, "I wouldn't be thinking, 'We can afford to drop points now' if I were Arsenal, but it is back in their hands; that is a fact. I am going to stay in my lane; I am not going to celebrate too early. Nothing is done.” (sic) 

Pep Guardiola seemed proud of the effort his team put in to come back from a two-goal deficit late in the game but also acknowledged that the league is not in their hands anymore. "It's better than losing," said Guardiola in the post-match interview.

He further added, "[The title is] not in our hands. Before it was; now it's not. We have games left. We will see what happens.” (sic)

Arsenal are now at an advantage not only because of their points. The Gunners' goal difference is also four better than Manchester City's, which is a huge advantage in the context of the league table. Arteta's side could also lift the title on May 13 itself if they beat West Ham and Man City lose their game in hand against Brentford and lose again against Crystal Palace. However, if both sides win all their remaining games until the final match day, it could go down to the wire once again. City are aiming for a domestic treble this season while Arsenal desperately seek to clinch the league title and the Champions League title after years of agony in both of these competitions.

"That is a big dent in the title race for Manchester City, but you have got to pick yourself up and go again,” said former midfielder Charlie Adam. (sic)

However, Manchester United and Everton legend Wayne Rooney has predicted that the Gunners will win all of their remaining games easily and clinch their first Premier League title since 2004 back when they still had O2 as a sponsor on their shirts.

"We've heard a lot about Arsenal cracking under pressure, but Guehi has never been in a position where he's challenged for the Premier League; Antoine Semenyo hasn't. And I think what you've seen tonight might be the first sign of that,” said Rooney. (sic)

He added, "I think it's Arsenal's year. And I hope it is for Arteta's sake. The work he's put in over the last five years, and then against his former boss, Guardiola – if he goes and wins that title, that is huge for him. Arsenal is very consistent, while City can be a little bit up and down. City at their best, you're the best team in Europe.”