21/04/2026

TUESDAY | APR 21, 2026

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Arteta says players more confident than ever of winning Premier League title after defeat at City

M IKEL ARTETA says that Arsenal still believe they can claim the title even after dropping points in the potential decider against Manchester City at the Etihad yesterday. Gunners manager Arteta emerged defi ant following a devastating defeat at the Etihad and surprisingly declared he has even greater belief after their spirited per formance. City can move top on goal difference if they secure victory in their game in hand at Burnley on Wednesday (Thurs 3am Malaysian time) but Arteta says his squad are prepared for the direct confrontation in the final five matches. “If they need to be more convinced, I think they are now more convinced. They were talking about it in the dressing room,” he said. “It’s a new League now. They were a game in hand. We have three points of advantage and five games to play. So every thing is still to play for. “So we know how much we’ve won it and we’re not going to stop and we’re going to go again, that’s for sure. Obviously, they were very disappointed not to get a result from the game in the manner that it hap pened. “That’s the feeling, immediately you could tell that they were talking about, and they said okay, we lost an opportunity today, but we have the biggest one now in the next five games, so let’s do it.” Kai Havertz restored parity for Arsenal but then squandered a golden opportunity in the 95th minute to secure a point which would have genuinely shifted the race in their direction. Arsenal also struck the frame twice and captain Martin Odegaard maintained they can still claim the title. Odegaard said: “Disappointed not to win. Obviously we wanted to get a result and we were really up for it today. We played a good game, we pressed really well. “Especially in the second half we looked dangerous, big moments in front of goal. “Small margins to decide a game like this and we weren’t sharp enough in front of goal and that’s why we go home with nothing. That’s football at this level. It was always going to be like that. Very intense, very tough. Small margins. “Frustrating but a lot of good things in the game from us. Now it’s about looking forward to the next game to bounce back.”

Pep Guardiola said City’s vital victory over Arsenal has only given his side “hope” in the Premier League title race as they look to hunt down the Gunners. Guardiola’s men are now favourites for a seventh League title in his 10 seasons in Manchester, with momentum very much in their favour. Arsenal have lost their last four games in domestic competitions, including the League Cup final to City last month. But even if City win at Burnley, the sides will only be level on points with five games remaining. “We are there, but the reality is what? Who is the top of the League? We are not. Who has the better goal difference? “So, step-by-step. But of course we’ve got hope to still extend the chances to fight in the League.” But it was Bernardo Silva who earned rave reviews from Guardiola in the week he announced that he will depart at the end of the season after nine years at the Etihad. “You have to write the word legend in capital letters for him, not for today but for every single game during nine years,” added Guardiola. “He is a special player. Wherever he will go, the team will be so lucky!” While Arsenal players slumped over at the end, City’s convened in a huddle as sup porters in the stands wildly celebrated claiming a massive three points. The travelling contingent made a quick exit from the Etihad, while the City faithful jumped up and down to the tune of Milky’s Just The Way You Are . That song is becoming the soundtrack of City’s season, with the words reworked into catchy chants for new signings Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo. “The full-time celebration felt a bit much,” former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Sport . “If you are an Arsenal player, you are thinking ‘hold on, we’re still leading.’ It was a heavy celebration, I was surprised with that. “I get it in the emotional moment and I have been in those games where I have done it and you celebrate too much. “It did seem like they were celebrating the title. By winning the game as a group, they probably thought now we have a chance. Even a draw was handing it to Arsenal, so I do get it.” – Express Newspapers/The Independent/Agencies

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