Arsenal on the Brink: Three Wins from Premier League Glory After City's Late Draw

Key facts

• Manchester City drew 3-3 with Everton on Monday Night Football after trailing 3-1.
• Arsenal lead the Premier League by five points with three games remaining; City have four games left.
• Arsenal's next match is a trip to West Ham United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
• Arsenal face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday at the Emirates.
• Arsenal need three wins from their final three league matches to secure their first title since 2004.
• Jamie Carragher stated that if Arsenal beat West Ham, they will win the league.
• Thierry Henry warned that West Ham could be Arsenal's 'Everton' and cause a twist.

City's Stumble Hands Arsenal Control

Manchester City's 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday night has shifted the balance of the Premier League title race decisively in Arsenal's favour. Jérémy Doku's last-gasp equaliser salvaged a point for the champions, but it was little more than damage limitation as City missed the chance to close the gap on the league leaders. Arsenal now hold a five-point advantage at the top of the table with three matches to play, while City have four games remaining but trail in the standings. The Gunners' destiny is in their own hands: three wins from three will secure their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Carragher and Henry Diverge on Title Prospects

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher declared that if Arsenal beat West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday, the title race would be over. 'If Arsenal win against West Ham next Sunday, they win the league,' he said on Monday Night Football. However, former of caution. 'Now it's back in Arsenal's hands. It's not in Man City's hands anymore,' he acknowledged, but added: 'I said earlier that I could see City dropping points against Everton and that I'm worried about the West Ham game.' Henry warned that West Ham could be Arsenal's 'Everton' — a reference to the Toffees' stubborn resistance that nearly derailed City.

The Road Ahead: Three Matches, One Objective

Arsenal's remaining fixtures are against West Ham (away), Leeds United (home), and a final-day clash with a side likely distracted by a European final. The Gunners also have a Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, which could see them reach the final before focusing on the league. Should Arsenal win all three league matches, they will finish on 92 points, a total that would guarantee the title regardless of City's results. The margin for error is thin: any dropped points could reopen the door for Pep Guardiola's side.

City's Frustration and Guardiola's Reaction

Pep Guardiola's reaction to the draw was muted. 'It's better than losing,' he said, adding: 'The title is not in our hands. Before it was, now it's not. We have games left. We will see what happens.' The draw came after City had fallen 3-1 behind, with Everton's first goal gifted by defender Marc Guéhi, who joined City in the January window. Phil Foden, meanwhile, has agreed in principle to a new four-year contract at City, signalling the club's intent to build around the 25-year-old midfielder. But the immediate focus is on the title race, where City now need Arsenal to slip up.

Historical Context and the Weight of Expectation

Arsenal's last league title came in the 2003-04 season, when they went unbeaten. Since then, the club has endured near-misses and rebuilding phases. This season, under Mikel Arteta, they have led the table for much of the campaign, but questions about their mental fortitude have persisted. Thierry Henry, who was part of that Invincibles side, urged caution. 'I am going to stay in my lane. I am not going to celebrate too early. Nothing is done,' he said. The warning is apt: Arsenal's remaining opponents include a West Ham side fighting for European places and a Leeds team battling relegation, both capable of springing a surprise.

What Comes Next: A Defining Week for Arsenal

The next seven days will define Arsenal's season. Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid could see them reach the final for the first time since 2006. Then, on Sunday, they face West Ham in a match that could effectively decide the Premier League title. If Arsenal win both, the momentum will be overwhelming. But as Henry noted, nothing is done until it is done. The title race, once seemingly in City's grasp, is now a test of Arsenal's nerve.

The bottom line

• Arsenal lead the Premier League by five points with three games to play; City have four games but trail.
• A win at West Ham on Sunday would, clinch the title for Arsenal.
• Thierry Henry warned that West Ham could be a stumbling block, echoing Everton's resilience against City.
• Arsenal's remaining fixtures are against West Ham, Leeds, and a final-day opponent likely focused on a cup final.
• City's draw at Everton was a missed opportunity, with Guardiola admitting the title is no longer in their hands.
• Arsenal's week includes a Champions League semi-final second leg, adding to the stakes.