Ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, former England midfielder Joe Cole has delivered a stark assessment of the Premier League title race, suggesting the Gunners are now in an almost unassailable position at the top of the table.
As relayed by Metro, Cole argued that Mikel Arteta’s side have built too strong a lead for Manchester City to overhaul, even accounting for City’s game in hand and the looming head-to-head clash between the two contenders
“I just can’t see Arsenal dropping that many points now,” Cole said. “If Man City win their game in hand it will be six points, then if City beat Arsenal it will be three points. But City have got to beat Arsenal and I can’t see that. Do you know what I mean?”
As it stands, Arsenal sit nine points clear at the summit with 70 points from 31 matches — a record bolstered by an impressive +39 goal difference. City, meanwhile, have 61 points from 30 games and a +32 GD, meaning even maximum points from their outstanding fixture would leave them trailing by six.
The April 19 encounter at the Etihad has taken on huge significance. A City victory would cut the gap to three points with games still remaining, but Cole is far from convinced Pep Guardiola’s team can pull off the required result.
Arsenal fans have echoed the former Chelsea man’s confidence on social media, with many pointing to their side’s consistency, defensive solidity, and the seven-goal advantage in the head-to-head goal difference stakes as a crucial tie-breaker safety net.
City has a tricky remaining schedule, including clashes with Chelsea, as a potential stumbling block. City remain dangerous — their recent form has shown glimpses of the relentless winning machine that has dominated English football in recent years — but the momentum currently lies with Arsenal.
Arteta’s team have lost just three times all season and have developed a habit of grinding out results even on off days. For Arsenal, the message is clear: keep doing what they’re doing, and the trophy could finally be heading back to north London.
