Arsenal’s hopes of becoming Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years were dented by AFC Bournemouth as the visitors won 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal struggled across the board against Bournemouth as Andoni Iraola’s side took the game to the hosts away from home and bore the fruits of their fearless approach.
Since the turn of the year, the Gunners have dropped needless points to the likes of Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Brentford and Wolves as well. Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, Manchester City’s consistency so far this year has not been their strongest suit either.
However, it seems like City have finally hit top gear after beating Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in successive outings while the North Londoners have lost three out of their last four games in all competitions.
Arsenal top Premier League table during the second half of the season
Furthermore, Manchester City have a multitude of players who have won Premier League titles galore, with Arsenal only boasting of one in the form of Gabriel Jesus, who lifted four at the Etihad Stadium.
Several City players have habitually taken their side to the promise land and their latest title race will not be unfamiliar territory to the club’s top dogs.
After their defeat to Bournemouth, the Arsenal cohort consoled a forlorn Martin Zubimendi and in similar fashion, it would be advisable for them to unite as the stats show that they remain favourites to win the title.
In the 14 games they have played during the second half of the 2025/2026 season, Arsenal have accumulated 24 points — more than any other side in the English top-flight.
Its 28 actually. Horrible Arsenal is first in the second half of the season.
— Bielsista (@pedroelchileno) April 13, 2026
We are still in prime position to win the title and its up to us to get it. Get behind your team like there is no tomorrow, because the moment to support them is now! What you do, how you react, the… https://t.co/bYOnnf6Hwj pic.twitter.com/pdnUPHZDB1
Manchester City, on the other hand have racked up 24 points in 13 games, a figure that has been bettered by their local rivals Manchester United, who have 26 in comparison.
Arsenal and Manchester City’s remaining Premier League fixtures
It goes without saying that at the end of the day, Mikel Arteta will not be handed the league title because his side have been the standout team in England during the second half of the season.
However, Arsenal fans have every reason to be positive about their side’s title prospects. Both sets of supporters will be keeping a close eye on their forthcoming league fixtures until the end of the season.
| Arsenal’s remaining Premier League fixtures | Man City’s remaining Premier League fixtures |
| Manchester City (A) | Arsenal (H) |
| Newcastle United (H) | Burnley (A) |
| Fulham (H) | Everton (A) |
| West Ham United (A) | Brentford (H) |
| Burnley (H) | Bournemouth (A) |
| Crystal Palace (A) | Crystal Palace (H) |
| – | Aston Villa (H) |
However, as things stand, no game will serve more importance than the heavyweight battle between the two title rivals next Sunday.
Only time will tell which team is granted a psychological advantage in the aftermath of the clash and goes on to get over the finish line.
