From nine points to five, then down to two, and back to five again, the Premier League title race has swung dramatically in recent weeks, turning into an unpredictable showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City as they go head-to-head in a gripping battle for supremacy.
To be crowned champions of England across 38 difficult league games, assembling talented players and playing beautiful football is never enough. There has to be a ruthless edge – a “killer mentality” – the ingrained mindset of champions who are obsessed with winning by any means necessary, even if it is ugly.
It’s about imposing yourself on opponents, especially in hostile away grounds. It’s about resilience when injuries pile up and momentum swings against you. It’s about an unshakable belief that matches can turn in a split second.
That is the defining trait that separates Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City from the rest of the pack in the Premier League title race – and the very edge that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are still striving to develop.
Premier League Title Race: Five Points Between Arsenal and Manchester City – Who Will Be Crowned Champions?
For the past three seasons, the Gunners have been the hunters, relentlessly chasing the title but falling short each time. Now, the pressure has shifted. Being the team everyone is chasing is a completely different challenge. It demands composure, authority, and emotional control – because protecting a lead and trying to increase the gap brings a whole new level of expectation, scrutiny, and psychological warfare.
It would be a devastating blow for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta if they finish this campaign empty-handed after once holding a nine-point lead at the top of the table. What looked like control has now turned into a nerve-shredding battle.
Manchester City’s 2-1 triumph over Newcastle United on Saturday briefly altered the complexion of the Premier League title race, cutting the gap to just two points. However, Arsenal responded on Sunday with an emphatic 4-1 derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur to extend the lead back to five points.
With 11 games still to play, the margin for error is razor-thin – and any slip-up from either side could ultimately decide who lifts the crown.
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A ‘Draw is Not Enough’ Philosophy
A famous statement was made by Rodri as Manchester City sealed their fourth consecutive league title in 2024. Amid the celebrations, the Ballon d’Or winner took a moment to address the media and delivered a powerful message that perfectly captured the club’s mentality throughout that season.
“I think, to be honest, it’s in here [points to head]. It’s the mentality. Great players are all over the leagues, all over the clubs. Arsenal also—they deserve it, they did an unbelievable season. But I think the difference was in here [points to head].
“When they came here, when they faced us at the Etihad, I saw them: ‘These guys don’t want to beat us, they just want to draw,’ you know? And that mentality – we wouldn’t do it the same way. And we caught it at the end. If you give us one point, we will win the last seven, eight games, even though how tough it is.”
This statement highlights the mental edge Manchester City held over Arsenal. Talent alone isn’t enough; without the relentless winning mindset, even the best players can fall short.
A perfect example of a killer mentality came on the final day of the 2022 EPL season. Manchester City entered the match just one point ahead of fellow title contenders Liverpool, needing all three points to clinch victory in the Premier League title race.
With 14 minutes remaining, they shockingly found themselves two goals down. Yet, in a stunning display of determination and composure, the Cityzens scored three goals in just five minutes – including a vital goal from Rodri himself – completing a remarkable comeback and securing their eighth English top-flight title.
A timid and cautious attitude often flows from the coach to the players, becoming apparent in the way the team performs on the pitch.
Rodri’s observation of Arsenal’s hesitant approach during their clash at the Etihad revealed a key difference – City’s refusal to settle and their ruthless mentality ultimately proved decisive in clinching the title that season.
How Guardiola Is Deflecting the Pressure of the Premier League Title Race
The ‘I Couldn’t Care Less’ Mindset
Of course he cares – why won’t he? He wants to win, he enjoys the ongoing battle for the league and wants to come out victorious.
It’s all mind games as he doesn’t want his players worrying about the title race. In tense situations like this, if the manager isn’t looking at the table, the players feel less inclined to obsess over it.
While Mikel Arteta’s men are feeling the heat of a nine-point gap fluctuating, City players are instructed to ignore the Premier League table entirely and treat every week as a fresh start.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Every Second Media
Recording Date: 21.02.2026
