Calm under pressure – why Arsenal now control the title race

AFTER losing a game against a direct rival, it is better sometimes to play away from home. It reduces pressure from the home crowd, allowing players to loosen up and approach the game differently.

Not everyone can handle the weight of a title race, and sometimes not talking about it helps the squad cope better.​

Arsenal did exactly that, and it turned out to be a defining weekend in the title race. Playing first before their rivals may also have helped.

Instead of starting the weekend one point behind, Mikel Arteta’s men seized the moment and moved seven points clear before Manchester City and Aston Villa kicked off on Sunday.​

A comprehensive 4–0 victory extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table with 14 games remaining.

Goals once again came from set-pieces (do you expect anything less from Set Piece FC?) while both Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres found the net.

It underlined how healthy competition has strengthened this squad and reinforced the idea that Arsenal now boast the best depth in the Premier League. At this stage of the season, even a six-point gap could be enough to deliver the title.​

City had the chance to cut the gap to four points and looked well on course after going 2–0 up at half-time. Tottenham appeared lost, and even their own supporters doubted a comeback and yet Thomas Frank’s side emerged with renewed belief.

They scored twice to unexpectedly hand Arsenal a major advantage in the title race. Dominic Solanke’s scorpion-kick equaliser was a moment of pure brilliance. Without Gianluigi Donnarumma, the outcome could have been even worse for City.​

Pep Guardiola must now reassess the balance of his squad. Even with defensive reinforcements in Marc Guehi, City do not look like a Guardiola side capable of surrendering a two-goal lead so easily.

A difficult trip to a resurgent Liverpool awaits, and if results continue to go against them, Arsenal fans may already be dreaming of March celebrations.​

It is now two defeats in three matches for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. They failed to find an equaliser or a winner, even with a one-man advantage for most of the game.

Tammy Abraham’s debut did little to provide the cutting-edge Villa needed to close the gap on Arsenal. Emery continues to insist Villa are not in the title race, with Champions League qualification his priority.

That stance may soon be tested, especially with Manchester United and Chelsea finding form.​

Yes, that United - now led by a former player as interim manager. Michael Carrick has guided United to three wins from three. If he matches Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s eight-game winning streak, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have little choice but to hand him the job permanently.

The third victory, however, was anything but straightforward. After racing into a

2–0 lead against Fulham, the substitution of Casemiro shifted the momentum and allowed Fulham back into the match.

Groans echoed around the stadium until Bruno Fernandes - the league’s leading assist provider with 12 delivered once again, finding Benjamin Sesko for

a dramatic late winner in classic Fergie-time fashion.

Momentum is firmly with Carrick, and Champions League qualification is suddenly within reach.

​Chelsea are also charging hard toward fourth place after another comeback win, this time against West Ham. Trailing 2–0 at half-time, tactical tweaks from Liam Rosenior transformed the match.

Joao Pedro looked rejuvenated operating behind Liam Delap, contributing a goal and an assist for the winner. It was a clear reminder of how the right structure can unlock a player’s potential.​

At Anfield, Arne Slot finally secured his first league win of 2026 with a commanding 4–1 victory over Newcastle. Early nerves followed Anthony Gordon’s opener, but the growing chemistry between Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz proved decisive.

Their movement created space across the pitch, lifting the entire team. If Slot can build on this partnership, a late push for European qualification may still be possible.​

The sense of togetherness returned as Liverpool celebrated Ibrahima Konate’s goal as one.

After the recent passing of his father, the moment was deeply symbolic and a reminder of how sport can provide unity and healing.​

With fixtures coming thick and fast, pressure will only intensify. The team that stay calm, composed and focused will gain the edge.

Right now, Arsenal are that team, and it is up to City and Villa to raise their standards.