Expert predicts who will win the PL after Arsenal and Man City weekend twists

Man City have been backed as the favourites to win the Premier League title after Arsenal stumbled and allowed them to narrow the gap.

Pep Guardiola’s side beat Wolves 2-0 before watching their title rivals Arsenal lose 3-2 at the hands of Man United as they closed the gap to four points.

Arsenal had the chance to pull nine points clear last weekend, but a 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest saw them slip up, and the pressure is now unrelenting.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City‘s previous record in close-fought title battles has given them a clear advantage.

Arsenal have finished as runners-up to City in the last two seasons despite previously holding strong positions, and that will likely play on their minds again.

Man City backed to beat Arsenal to the Premier League title

Brown told Football Insider in November that Arsenal have a clear advantage over Man City thanks to their superior defensive structure and set-piece threat.

However, following two successive weekends where the Gunners have dropped points, City will smell blood and can be unstoppable in this position.

“Man City are the favourites to win the title now,” Brown told Football Insider.

“They’ve been my favourites even when Arsenal were seven points clear, because Arsenal have shown in the past they’re capable of being frustrated.

“They can lose or draw a game maybe you don’t expect them to, like against Forest or United, and I think City can beat them when they play each other.

“All of a sudden, that seven points gap is gone, and we know how ruthless City can be.

“Arsenal are a good side, defensively they’ve got an edge on every team in the league, but I’m not sure they score enough goals and that’s a major concern.

“City, when they get into their flow, we’ve seen before under Guardiola they can just win and win and win, put together a 15-game winning run and then they’re out of sight.

“I’m not totally convinced this version of Man City will be capable of that, but with the signings they’ve made they’re already showing improvements.

“I just think based on what we’ve seen from both of these teams historically and this season, City have that winning edge and Arsenal are always susceptible to throwing it away.”

Mikel Arteta could be sacked by Arsenal

Brown warned Football Insider on 26 January that Arteta could be sacked by Arsenal if he again fails to lead them to major silverware come the end of the season.

Both Liverpool and Man City have dipped below their usual high levels, while the Gunners have come close in the past before late-season drop-offs.

There are now growing fears the same could happen again with their lead at the top being eaten into by both City and Aston Villa after back-to-back poor results.

Football Insider revealed in November that Arsenal are planning contract talks with Arteta, with an extension to his deal to be offered at the end of the season.

However, should they fail to win major silverware despite what is seen as their best opportunity, they could pull the plug on his time at the club instead.

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