Premier League | Clinical City has the wherewithal to rock Arsenal’s aspirations Premium

As Arsenal and Manchester City battle for the Premier League title, both teams face crucial tests in the season's final stretch.

Three shrewd tacticians from the Iberian Peninsula, but only one can get his hands on the coveted English top-flight trophy.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is on a mission to make the seemingly impossible possible. Three consecutive runner-up finishes in the Premier League, including two near misses, must have given him many sleepless nights. And come the culmination of the 2025-26 season, he simply would not be satisfied with anything other than the top prize.

Challenging him again for the prestigious silverware is an ever-hungry Pep Guardiola, who is experiencing a rare lull given the lofty standards he has set for himself at Manchester City.

Guardiola believes that his team will be active in the championship race right till the end if most of his players remain injury-free. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Guardiola, who was Arteta’s “master” during the latter’s spell as an assistant coach at City, is now battling to prevent his once apprentice from “mastering” the league.

Also in the equation, as a dark horse, is Unai Emery. His much-improved Aston Villa side has been quietly punching above its weight despite not having the riches of the self-proclaimed ‘Big Six’ clubs. While Villa cannot be discounted in the home stretch, Arsenal and City are expected to make it a two-horse race when the campaign reaches its climax.