Arsenal sent reality check over Man City clash as title rivals prepare to lock horns

It was always going to be big. But recent events have transpired to make Arsenal's trip to Manchester City on Sunday even more seismic.

Mere weeks ago it felt like the title race was a formality. Some had even declared in Arsenal's favour. But after their slip-up at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, Manchester City know that they could usurp their title rivals on goal difference should they win their next two Premier League fixtures. And unfortunately for Mikel Arteta and Co, Pep Guardiola's men have generally proven themselves to be a different animal altogether in the spring.

With Sunday's game poised to have significant title repercussions, it is shaping up to be the biggest game of the season. But where does the heavyweight bout rank in terms of the Premier League's all-time blockbuster events? We asked the Mirror Football team...

This showdown is huge in terms of this season.

You can definitely argue the winner takes it all because if Manchester City prevail then surely all the momentum is with them. Equally, if Arsenal win then it’s all on Mikel Arteta ’s men to finally finish what they started and win the title. And if it’s a draw… Well, nothing is decided.

Therefore, I think this is a blockbuster, the game of the season and I cannot wait for the two rivals to get down to business at the Etihad.

But, ultimately, it will not necessarily decide things and that is why it is probably filed alongside Liverpool ’s infamous game with Chelsea at Anfield and the Steven Gerrard slip. That was also in April and if Liverpool had won they’d have surely won the title. They didn’t - and blew it.

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John Stones ’ famous goal line clearance in January 2019 when Manchester City absolutely had to win. Liverpool could have opened up a ten point gap. Instead, City won 2-1 and came back to win the title.

This is not Sergio Aguero against QPR to win the title on the final day. Or, if football existed pre-Premier League, then 1989 and the greatest title decider of them all at Anfield when Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-0 to clinch the title.

Arsenal probably need another Anfield 89 on Sunday.

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It is without a doubt the biggest Premier League game for a decade, even surpassing some of the City-Liverpool clashes we had during that glorious Guardiola vs Jurgen Klopp era. Their placement in the season meant that, whatever the result, you always felt another twist was on the cards. Not this time, City need to win to claim the title. Even a draw for Arsenal could well be enough to keep the Manchester juggernaut at bay. That said, the cracks are certainly appearing for the Gunners. But in terms of biggest matches in the Premier League era, it would still take quite something to top the City-Manchester United clash of 2012, when Vincent Kompany headed home the winner. That was only three games from the end of the season. It was the coming force, the team desperate to rule their own town as well as the top flight. It was Sir Alex Ferguson trying to stop Roberto Mancini. It was a title race that would be decided on goal difference. There are plenty of parallels between that title race and this one, but the magnitude of that Manchester derby on April 30 2012 was like nothing else.

There have been bigger games than this weekend's clash between Manchester City and Arsenal. But there is no denying the upcoming clash is one of the most pivotal in recent seasons.

The result won't decide who goes on to win the title. Because there will be more twists and turns to come. But whoever triumphs will be in pole position to become English champions.

Arsenal would have a cushion of a lead at the top. But should City defeat Mikel Arteta's men, they would be in pole position to regain their crown.

And all the momentum is with Pep Guardiola and his players.

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From a physical standpoint, it is not ideal for Arsenal that they have an extremely important midweek game before their visit to the Etihad Stadium next Sunday.

But from a psychological standpoint, it might be a good thing. The second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon will distract them from the hype already framing the match against Manchester City.

It is a very old cliché, but Mikel Arteta has to treat the trip to the Etihad as just another crucial match. It is NOT a title decider.

Pep Guardiola’s side will have six more fixtures to fulfil after Sunday’s engagement. Amongst those fixtures are trips to Bournemouth and Everton , which will be far from easy.

City’s wins over Liverpool in the FA Cup and Chelsea in the Premier League have been impressive. But there were lengthy periods in both matches when they looked vulnerable. It is by no means a given that City will be flawless between now and the end of the season so the weekend showdown is important but not a decider.

And you never know, there might be a verdict on those 115 charges before the season ends. Now that would be interesting.

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