• [Daily Mirror Icon]
• Sport
• Football
• Arsenal FC

Arsenal know two results in pivotal Premier League weekend will put one hand on title

Manchester City and Arsenal will meet in a Carabao Cup final blockbuster in March, but the title race could be won by Arsenal by the time Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta walk out at Wembley

[LEEDS, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates following the team's victory during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)]

View 2 Images

Arsenal can take a huge step towards the Premier League title this weekend(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The pressure is mounting as the Premier League's thoroughbreds head towards the final furlongs of another fascinating season. And no-one has been feeling it more than Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Less than a fortnight ago critics were questioning if Arsenal had the bottle to go on and win the club's first league title since 2003. A run of three league games without a win had raised serious questions about Arsenal's credentials to become the next kings of English football.

That Arteta longed to wear the crown, but didn't have the knowledge or knowhow to take his seat on the throne. But while Arsenal stumbled, Manchester City fell flat on their faces.

If losing a Manchester derby at Old Trafford wasn't bad enough, City then blew a two goal lead at Tottenham to chuck two more crucial points in the dustbin.

Yet Guardiola escaped the same intrusion and scrutiny Arteta found himself being subjected to. Perhaps this is down to the fact Guardiola is a proven winner, while Arteta isn't.

Arteta has won one FA Cup since taking charge of Arsenal in 2019. In that same time, Guardiola has lifted 16 trophies, including five titles and a historic Treble in 2023.

The two managers don't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath. But the friends and rivals find themselves shoulder to shoulder heading into a seismic weekend, one which could have a defining impact on who holds their head highest come June.

Arsenal hold a significant six point lead going into tomorrow's home visit of Sunderland. Beat the newcomers and that lead will be nine points, before City travel to Anfield to face bitter rivals Liverpool 24 hours later.

A ground which has given Guardiola nightmares since he arrived in English football a decade ago. Guardiola has tasted victory just once from 10 visits to Liverpool as City boss.

[Pep Guardiola must avoid another Anfield nightmare for his Man City players]

View 2 Images

Pep Guardiola must avoid another Anfield nightmare for his Man City players

And the anniversary of this will be, as it happens, exactly five years ago this weekend. City's Tijjani Reijnders knows the significance of his side's showdown with the reigning champions.

He said: "Yes we need to win, that's for sure. It will be a big match and we have to be ready, of course and show what we can do. We can't afford any more slip-ups. We want to win every game and this game won't be different for us. So we have to be ready."

The outcome of events at Anfield will not decide the title. But if City lose (again), Arsenal could have one hand on the trophy if things go to plan at the Emirates the day before.

There are more challenges ahead for both clubs, who are still competing on all four fronts. Including a Carabao Cup final between them at Wembley on March 22. A chance for one of them to draw first blood.

To put a marker down and use as a springboard to go on and win more trophies, or even secure a Qaudruple.

But the problem Guardiola has it that, unless his side can find more consistency in the league, his chances of winning yet another title could be long gone by the time he collides with Arteta in the first showpiece final of the season.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

[Content Image]

44

Sky

Get the deal here

Product Description

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

[Jeremy Cross]

Jeremy Cross

Jeremy joined the Daily Star in 2010 as Manchester football correspondent and for more than a decade has served as our Chief Sports Writer. He provides expert coverage on Manchester United and Manchester City, the Premier League as a whole, and the England football team. Jeremy has covered football, rugby and cricket World Cups, as well as Wimbledon, the golf majors and the Olympics.

[Daily Mirror Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.