Arsenal have no room for error.

The 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton in the 26th round of the Premier League on February 19th further jeopardized Arsenal's title race, as history shows they often falter in the crucial stages.

Arsenal once again left fans wondering: "Will the old scenario repeat itself?". The 2-2 draw away at bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton wasn't just an isolated slip-up. It came after a 1-1 draw against Brentford and saw Mikel Arteta's side miss the chance to widen the gap with Manchester City.

Pep's Man City are surging forward while Arsenal are shooting themselves in the foot. Photo: Reuters.

No more mistakes allowed.

From being more than 7 points ahead, Arsenal are now only 5 points behind Manchester City, and Pep Guardiola's team has a game in hand. The situation has therefore reversed rapidly; if Man City win all 12 remaining matches, including their home game against Arsenal in April, they will be crowned champions.

Arsenal could do the same if they win their last 11 games, including the away match at the Etihad. But the difference is: Arsenal no longer have a room for error.

The London team led the table since September, but at this crucial stage, they faltered. Two wins in the last seven rounds is not a number befitting a title contender. Notably, this slump is not the first time this has happened.

In the 2021/22 season, Arsenal had the youngest squad in the league with an average age of 24 years and 308 days. They weren't really competing for the title, initially aiming for a European qualification spot. Manchester City then earned 30 points in their last 12 games, while Arsenal only managed 18 points and finished in fifth place.

The 2022/23 season was an even more painful setback. At the same point, Arsenal were also 5 points ahead of Man City after 27 games, holding the top spot until round 33 before losing 1-4 at the Etihad. Man City finished the season with 31 points from their last 12 games, while Arsenal only managed 21 points. That season, "The Citizens" not only won the Premier League but also achieved a treble ( Champions League, FA Cup).

In the 2023/24 season, Arsenal were fiercely competing with Man City and Liverpool. The race lasted until May. Man City finished just one point ahead of Arsenal in the final 12 games, but that was enough for them to win their fourth consecutive title, setting another Guardiola record.

Arsenal have one crucial match left at the Etihad Stadium against Man City. Photo: Reuters.

Will the bad habit continue?

In the 2024/25 season, when Man City faltered due to overwork, Arsenal and Liverpool were the two main contenders. However, a series of dropped points at the end of the season, including a 1-2 defeat to Bournemouth, caused Arsenal to fall behind significantly and watch Liverpool win the title with a 10-point lead. Despite struggling, Man City still earned 27 points in the final 12 rounds, 6 points more than Arsenal.

Since the 2021/22 season, Arsenal have consistently won fewer points than Man City in crucial stages. This is a worrying trend; the issue isn't just about a draw, but about mental fortitude under pressure.

Arteta has built a squad of sufficient quality to compete. But winning a demanding league like the Premier League requires consistency in the final weeks. Pep Guardiola's Man City always knows how to accelerate at the right time, while Arsenal has a history of faltering.

The race isn't over yet, with many matches remaining. But the reality is clear: if Arsenal don't break their losing streak, their Premier League title drought will extend for another 23 years.

Highlights Wolves 2-2 Arsenal : Arsenal disappointed by being held to a 2-2 draw by Wolves in their Premier League matchday 31 game on the morning of February 19th.

Source: https://znews.vn/arsenal-khong-con-duong-lui-post1629257.html