After Arsenal’s second setback of the season, Mikel Arteta was cautioned by a direct opponent to anticipate many more “twists and turns” in the Premier League championship fight.
Everyone associated with Arsenal would have taken a big sigh of relief following Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday evening.
While the idea of anyone with an affection for the Gunners celebrating a Spurs victory seems unfathomable, the fact the result meant Arsenal maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table balanced things out. City will be left kicking themselves that they failed to close the gap after Mikel Arteta’s men slipped up the day before.
Arsenal suffered just their second league defeat of the season on Saturday lunchtime when they were toppled by an inspired Everton side in what was Sean Dyche’s first game in charge. A James Tarkowski header was enough to separate the two sides.
However, with City failing to capitalise on Arsenal’s mistake, Arteta can use last weekend as a warning to his players and demand no further slip-ups. Mirror Football has picked out some of the main headlines surrounding the Gunners on Tuesday, February 7.
Arsenal sent title warning
Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has warned title rivals Arsenal that there will be plenty of “twists and turns” before the season’s end. Speaking after City’s defeat at Spurs on Sunday, the England ace reminded those listening that Pep Guardiola’s side boast plenty of experience when it comes to a race for the title.
Kyle Walker has sent Arsenal a subtle title warning ( Image: Sky Sports)
“Of course, it is [a missed opportunity],” Walker admitted to Sky Sports. “They [Arsenal] dropped points and we needed to pick up points to close the gap, but there is still a lot of football to be played.
“I have been here many, many years in the Premier League and I know the twists and turns that can happen. I know what this team is about, I know what this team can do. We can go on runs from now until the end of the season and it’s just about us doing that, really.”
Gunners weakness exposed
Sean Dyche got the better of Mikel Arteta last Saturday ( Image: Getty Images)
During the defeat at Everton, a way to thwart Arsenal’s own prowess was exposed by the Toffees. The perfect blend of technical quality and power in the Everton midfield overwhelmed their visitors, while the defensive structure at the back ensured Arsenal stood little chance of picking the lock.
Arteta cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as the game wore on, perhaps wary of the fact Everton have handed the rest of the league a blueprint on how to frustrate the league leaders. It remains to be seen if Arsenal’s next opponents, Brentford, who visit Emirates Stadium on Saturday, will implement a similar tactical set-up.
Redknapp tips Arsenal to fall short in title race
Harry Redknapp has admitted he can’t see Arsenal being top come the end of the season
Former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has tipped Manchester City to leapfrog Arsenal and win the title this term. Redknapp, speaking to Reece Mennie on his podcast, conceded he just doesn’t see the Gunners holding on for another 18 games.
“I don’t know though, I’ve still got a feeling Man City are gonna win it, I think they’re gonna come with a rally and pip them,” he said. “But it’s gonna be tight. Arsenal are gonna take some catching, but the one team you don’t want chasing you down is Man City! If it was anyone else chasing them I’d say, ‘yeah, fine’, but they’re so dangerous.”
