Monumental win for Man City as Arsenal's lead cut to three points

21:00Gary Neville:On Wednesday, they could go top. Is there a big kind of psychological barrage you're going to have to deal with now? There's always that in football. There's always pressure, always noise. And that's a part of being a football player at this level. So that's completely normal to us. And we're just going to keep going, stay focused on ourselves like we've done the whole season. And as I said, just look forward to the next game now and bounce back, get a win there and move on. That's all we're going to do. So that's a part of football and you have to live with that. And yeah, that's a good thing, I'd say.

21:29Still believe, of course. Thank you.

21:34And this was what Declan Rice thought at full time. It's not done talking to his teammates. Erdegaard himself, in fact. And that has to be the view, doesn't it? Do you have to be... And they go again. They've got a week to think about this before they take on Newcastle at home next Saturday. Do you, though, in some ways, Roy, You have to be careful how you reflect on a performance and a defeat like that.

22:01Gary Neville:Dead right. I think you have to be critical of yourselves as Arsenal players. You've got to be careful now. I have already got him to beat a few times, and even thereafter was saying, yeah, we've played, they've lost the game. And the goals, early in the season, they won't concede many goals, they won't give up many chances. Now, two goals today, two goals last week, two goals in the Cup of Game at Southampton, they have to be critical of themselves. and I've questioned this group of players about that mentality, getting a grip of each other. I'd want somebody after the game to be really critical because when they will analyse the second goal, the winning goal, they were all over the place.

22:36Gary Neville:I think from the goalkeeper to the goal, I'm going to have a guess, was it 10, 11 seconds? Far too easy. So they can sit there, they can speak after the game and they had the chances, but the winning goal, these are crucial moments. And if you're trying to get your hands on the trophies, these moments are key. We're praising Silva for running back and winning headers. against strikers who are 6 '4", and we've seen Man City getting a winning goal, and I guarantee Arteta and his staff and his defensive staff particularly will be going, you'll never win it with a title, giving up goals like that.

23:05Gary Neville:Whereas you had that hunger, the desire, we talk about mentality in sport, but mentality is decision-making. We see Martinelli making one or two rash decisions, almost giving Man City the option to throw between the lines. And when we see the goal, again, the way I look at it, if you give a goal away like that in training, the manager would stop training and go, So, lads, he focused, he concentrating. And that moment there, or not making a tackle, or howling, getting the goal at the end, obviously that could be the difference between winning the league and losing it. So they've got to be self-critical and not come out after the game.

23:38Gary Neville:Or the next few days when their PR teams are on, going, yeah, we played well, we had chances, and we'll give them a little bit of praise for the chances. Which they did, yeah. Yeah, which they did, but we have to be then really critical of the winning goal, because that is the defining moment. Which we will come to. but could the mentality actually shift now for Arsenal? Because they've been leading all this time and certainly in the last few weeks they've felt City's breath on their neck. It feels like that chase could see City go top on Wednesday night. If they go and win in Burnley, they will be.

24:04Now, could that shift the mentality for Arsenal that they have to respond? They've got two games back-to-back before City play again after that. They have to respond and you're expecting top players to respond when they have their back against the wall. But Odegaard, I believe that in his interview just now just said everything right, you know, but I think I'm agree with Roy that it's important for players to take responsibility as well because I think today they quite played a good game, but there were a lack of togetherness on the side where we have to be really demanding to each other. They're creating enough chances to at least not losing that game and I think that what they are missing can have an impact in the game and on the result and it will be important for them to not accepting easily that loss because they shouldn't lose the game today with the way that they perform because I think Mikel's team selection was right.

24:59We were questioning Odegaard and Eze on the field together. But when you analyse the game, I think they had a good game of football. But going back to London with zero points, I think it became a player's responsibility. Patrick agrees with Roy. First time for everything.

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25:58This is the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get more analysis of the game and return to the student. Manchester City have beaten Arsenal in this crunch game in the title race. still lay trail, but momentum has certainly shifted from red to sky blue. The locks are flowing, the swagger is back in City's football, and Pep Guardiola surely now eyeing a fifth title in six seasons. We talked before the game about those people who could just come up with that moment of magic in a game like this. Of course, Ryan Cherky was at the forefront of our thought. Could he actually be the difference in this title race, in these tight moments, Michael?

26:42Patrick Vieira:I think he can. I mean, if you look at his feet and his technique, it's absolutely outstanding. But like I said before the game, he takes risks and he believes in his ability. He's always looking for that little pocket of space. But when he gets in there, he knows exactly what he's going to do. It might be unpredictable to us, but the way he dresses up, Gabriel doesn't come out, so he knows he's got the momentum. And it's just about his feet. and that is a wonderful goal because he believes in his ability. Eze has to compete there, doesn't he? That's what he's got to do better there, for sure.

27:15Patrick Vieira:But talking about the goal there, his feet are so quick. The way he changes direction, left foot, right foot, outstanding. And he's keeping Foden out of the team at the moment because of moments like this. First Premier League player to double figures in goals and assists in all competitions and this is first season as well, Patrick. But there were questions over him, did you think, when he actually came to the Premier League? No, there was question in him in France, not about his talent, about him performing at a high level, because he's a terrific player. His ability is unbelievable. And I think he chose the right place and working with the right manager, because he needed to have somebody to be really demanding on him.

27:58And leaving Lyon, coming to Manchester City, where he grew up, I think he's taking a lot of responsibility. And he do understand that he needs to be decisive. He needs to score goals. He needs to make assists. And the sense of being at City is completely a different player. And this goal really reflects his talent. Because when he gets inside the box, he knows that nobody can touch him. And his ability to go left and right, it's something that is his talent. A pure talent.

28:27Gary Neville:We've played at a decent level. when I see players doing that at that speed, it's amazing to watch, isn't it? It's amazing. I scratch my head going, how did I do it at such speed? And then at the end of it, going through, and then having, obviously, the ability to stick at the corner. What a talent. But Arsenal got straight back into it, and it was another City signing Donnarumma that was actually at fault here. But do you think it was a deliberate ploy, Roy? Because straight from the kick-off, they went back and decided to go long and try and put City in a bit of pressure. Oh, there certainly is.

28:54Gary Neville:Of course, we see teams doing that a lot now, but I'd be irritated about a Man City player. I think they should just head it clear there because they must know what they're trying to do. They're pressing in. But credit to Havertz here, he reads it quickly. The goalkeeper's far too slow. He's on his heels and credit to Havertz for closing him down and he got his just rewards. But even there, she's just due a first time. He must know the pressure. And again, he takes that first touch. His body shape's all wrong. Well, not all wrong, but obviously he knows he's not going to get that much time in Havertz camp.

29:20Gary Neville:He had a little bit of luck then with the deflection going in. And then you're thinking, well, you know, momentum was back with Arsenal at that moment in time. but a huge mistake from an experienced goalkeeper. He's got to do better because it could have proved really costly. And really that left the game on a knife edge at 1-1. But then big chances for Arsenal that we've mentioned already, Patrick. And is it these moments that could really come back to haunt them? Away to City. When you create chances, clear chances like that, you have to take them. And obviously it was a really good defensive setup from Arsenal and the offensive transition was quite really good.

29:57A really good ball here from Odegaard and you expect others to score. That is the moment, important moment in the game where he has to do better.

30:06Patrick Vieira:Does he do anything wrong or do we credit the goalkeeper actually? Yeah, it's amazing to say that. I mean, you've seen Donnarumma on the ball, but I mean, off the ball, he's just outstanding and that's why Man City brought him in. And then there was Eze checks, Patrick. Yes, I like to have him centrally because he's got a really good talent. A good touch, one touch, facing the goal and take it straight away with the left foot. Do you think then it was a great effort? Do you think it was the wrong selection to have him on that left-hand side where he spent so much of the game? No, because he didn't stay really on the left-hand side.

30:41He came inside and created the overload. That was, I think, the tactical plan. It was quite really interesting because he touched the ball quite a lot. I was a bit disappointed to be honest that he came off because I think he was getting into the game and he could create chances of scoring goals because he's got that quality and taking him off I think I was disappointed to see him off.

31:05Gary Neville:Yeah and obviously the criticism of Arsenal over the last few months is that maybe lack of creativity. There was plenty of it today but the hardest part of football as we said putting the ball in the back of the net. And we saw that crucial double save from Dunnarumma from Havertz and then the follow-up from Martinelli. But then he's involved in what could be the crucial goal in this title race. Now, is this all about his quick thinking, Roy? Or does Nico O 'Reilly make the decision for him? Or do you blame Arsenal? No, I think Martinelli helps the goalkeeper his decision by pressing too early.

31:34Gary Neville:They're not really set. And they don't need to go chasing the game. And this is where your mentality and decision-making and experienced players... But after this, obviously, they're on the back foot. We know City, the capabilities, and Haaland's had a battle all day. No surprise, any fish will be all in touch. but just to be, if you stop it here, it's just definitely, I'd be putting this more on Arsenal. Credit to O 'Reilly, he's an attack-minded player, we see his form's outstanding, and defensively he's brilliant today, but Martijnanen doesn't have to press there, he doesn't have to press, and if anything, it encourages the goalkeeper to throw it out.

32:03Do you agree? I completely agree with you, I think when you're looking at, even when De La Roma get the ball in his hand, he was a huge space between the Arsenal back four and the front players. There's a huge space that Arsenal wasn't set on, wasn't ready to go to put pressure. And a real old wrestle, wasn't it, at the back post?

32:22Patrick Vieira:Great footwork as well from O 'Reilly, Mike. Yeah, I mean, he was outstanding again. I mean, he just gets that movement, Haaland stretches. Such a wonderful finish. I mean, I think the defenders got the best of him in the first half, but second half, he really shone. Mike, I think we can have another angle. Yeah, so I just want to stop it when it comes here. And the thing is with Arsenal, Arsenal have been really good in a low block. Today, they opted to go really high. And they pressed really aggressive. But when the goalkeeper gets the ball here, it's not on to press because it's too late. Now you then have to realise to get back in shape.

33:07Patrick Vieira:O 'Reilly makes that run. So now you're in between the lines, and that is, we talk about moments in football, this, and that could be on the manager. Yes, they might have been told to press, but it's on the players to realise when they can press and when they can't. If he would have held then, Arsenal would have been able to get in that low brought and then force it wide and maybe got the ball out. But just those decisions...

33:31Gary Neville:Maybe some of the players behind him should be telling to get back in, because your priority, you're not going to win it there and then. You smell it in a game. And I don't think he needs to go there. And that's where you need better players or leaders to pull him back in. And they got punished for it. Yeah, it's a brilliant moment, isn't it, for City? And you just always wonder if it's going to be Haaland who has that final decisive touch in a game like this. Yeah, well, there's no surprise, obviously. But again, what we praise Haaland today was, listen, we know he's an amazing goal scorer, but he's battling, he was an outlet for his teammates.

34:07Gary Neville:and that's what you need. That's where we go back to Silva. You've got to do the hard yards. Well done.

34:12Patrick Vieira:Gary Riddick.

34:13Gary Neville:You've got to do the hard yards. And they've done that today, the City players. And they always do. Just checking the time. We've got another 45 minutes of conversation. We've got to 2-1, Gary. But still, there were major, major moments, weren't there, for Arsenal to try and get a foothold in this game. First of all, through the set-piece, Gabriel. Yeah. I mean, this was the one that I think Nico O 'Reilly's a little bit luckier because he has his arm up in the air and if Gabriel heads it against his arm, it's definitely a penalty. But again, a second bit of good fortune for Manchester City that the deflection off Nico O 'Reilly just, I mean, it's beats Dan O 'Romar, but it just hits the post.

34:52Gary Neville:And Eze hits the post, Gabriel hits the post. And that Havertz chance late on was guilt-edged. Well, let's have a look at that in just a moment. Having said that, Gary, do you think Havertz justified his selection today? Yeah, I thought he did well. I thought he played the target role of Jokeres, but also was more agile and he linked play. This is the moment, isn't it? Yeah. What a great ball, and he sees it all the way. He's just, again, there's enough pace in it. He has just got to hit the target. He's more than capable of doing that. The timing, great ball in. Wow. Yeah, that was it. That was the moment.

35:28Gary Neville:Look, middle of the goals. And he decided to go keep it. He gets up so well, Patrick, as well, doesn't he? His timing was perfect. You have the quality of the cross, quite really hard once, and his timing, jumping. He was really close to score, but unfortunately for him and for Arsenal, he missed that chance. They thought that was their moment, Micah.

35:46Patrick Vieira:They thought it was, but it's not over yet. They've still got five games to go. I mean, everyone's going on like it's the end. I believe Manchester will win because of momentum, like we've said, but for Arsenal, there's still five games left. Go and prove to everyone why you can win it. It wasn't an interest in this battle that we saw between Haaland and Gabriel. The way that he spoke about it afterwards, he seemed to really relish it. And we've kind of had the same thoughts from Gabriel, even in the build-up to this game. But did it actually go very close to going over the edge? I'm asking two experts here.

36:19Listen, I think I really enjoyed that battle. I think in the last couple of years, those two players have been really to each other. but the referee managed the situation really well. They were competitive, they were really difficult but it is the kind of games that we want to see that I enjoy watching.

36:37Gary Neville:And it was give and take. They were both giving it and taking it. That's what you want to see. Even with the head situation, again, Harlan could have easily gone down there. We saw Walker doing it a few years ago. I think it was against United. Does Harlan save him there though? Yeah, he does. But you also want players to help other professionals. You don't want to be rolling around trying to get people sent off. That's the referee's decision. but I like what he's done there. I thought, you know what, yeah, he stuck his head on me, but we'll get on with it. What's your take on this, Gary? Because VAR said not excessive force, but if he does get a red card in that situation, Gabriel I'm talking about, it would be a three-match ban for violent conduct, which could be a huge blow for Arsenal in these finals.

37:14Gary Neville:If Gabriel had scored later on or had some sort of impact on the game, I think Pep Guardiola would have been absolutely fuming. I think it's pretty accepting in football. You're allowed to put your head against each other, but the minute that one of you does that, it's usually a red but I mean I was happy he didn't send him off obviously Harland don't, you don't want players then rolling around either it's still up to the referee's the referee's decision to make it which he thinks is a red card but I'm glad all the pros are helping you know, helping each other out we don't want all that carry on rolling around

37:43Patrick Vieira:it probably is a red but common sense I think the referee is common sense so you've got to give him praise for that I mean if he does get a free match ban it wouldn't have been great but I don't want to give red cards for that I was just more interested in seeing the battle that you've just said. The battle. I mean, you're talking about protection of the Reds. You two back in the day. I don't think he deserves a red card. There's nothing really aggressive on the side of...

38:09Gary Neville:We see people getting sent off for grabbing someone's hair, so they'd be ragged, Mr. Ako. That's more... They'd be more violent than that. I got sent off for that against... Pushing your head? Yeah, against Steve McManaman in a Manchester derby, like, 20-odd years. You played in the game, did you, Roy? It's exactly the same thing. I just let my head forward and... Your head is bigger, isn't it? More dangerous. Did it cost you? What weight behind it? Did the suspension cost you as well? No, we won every game when he was suspended. Coming from these two. Well, as I said, they are the experts in this confrontation.

38:40Right, Gary is with us, as you've seen and heard, and we will be taking a little break, and when we come back, we will hear from both managers and see what they made of this and where it leaves them in this straight shootout now for the title.

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39:46I see the bad moon rising I see trouble on the way I see earthquakes and lightning

40:02Patrick Vieira:I see bad times today

40:07Gary Neville:Don't go around tonight If you're bound to take your life There's a bad moon on the right

40:20Yes, what a day for Pep Guardiola, who tasted victory over Arsenal at Wembley just 28 days ago in the Carabao Cup final. And now more damage on them in this title race. Let's hear his thoughts now with Patrick Davidson.

40:37Gary Neville:Well, Pep, emotional, exhausting, gripping game. How much credit to give your team for coming out on the right side of that? With a good adver, I think so, for the Premier League. So they don't allow you to go through the process. They are so aggressive. So they are good in the duels. And one of the most competitive teams I ever faced in my career in terms of duels and one against one, long balls. With Howard Serrae, second balls, they are fantastic and didn't make build-up. Long balls, second balls, we talk about that. And we have momentum, they have momentum. They have chances, they have chances.

41:13And at the end, this gate-up of games, little margins.

41:16Gary Neville:Yeah, I think almost everyone who's been in here for an interview since the game said it was an absolute top-level, elite-level football match. Did you have that sense as well? Absolutely. Both teams and good, really top managers. Really good managers. And top-top players for both sides. But now I start every three days. I've been so demanding. The Troyes are demanding, but the reality is just one. They are top of the league with one goal difference. You have to enjoy it, celebrate it, take the good things, but don't lose the focus. Focus is in three days, go to Burnley. You said that Arteta and Arsenal would adjust after the cup final.

42:03Gary Neville:Can you tell us how they did that? Maybe the different problems they gave you today compared to Wembley? No. No. maybe they play more direct than Wembley and it sticks more with Havertz maybe yeah but Gorker is also strong in the air and especially the second ball they are so good and it's good to deliver from Raya but we know left side Rosar is a going side to make four players, one more players in there and you know the speed that they have and especially set pieces you know when you can sit out of corners free kicks and they are top at the end they put five, six strikers there four strikers plus Gabriel and good delivers for the guys.

42:42Sometimes it's difficult to control. We were tired. But yeah, only I'm happy because we can extend the hope. We can extend the... Okay, maybe until the end we will try.

42:55Gary Neville:Yeah, I mean, you said beforehand, if we lost, it was over. Now you've won. How would you see it now? 50-50? Have you got the momentum? I think a lot of people say City favourites now. The momentum change. If I take the momentum, I say the momentum for Marcelo is bad. when I've seen today playing I don't have the same bad momentum. So they are semi-final Champions League. They didn't lose one single game. The momentum shifts in one instant. So I have a, they know it, have a lot of respect of that. Of course, we want to win because we fought a lot as well for many, many players. Today, some players, the first time that played for the Premier League, fell a little bit of the pressure, you know, his performance was not top.

43:41but that's normal, it's a process.

43:43Gary Neville:One of those players is Nico O 'Reilly who seems to make such a difference to the team, sometimes two players occupied with Doku, him rampaging forward just makes such an impact. It's incredible, defensively, offensively, in set pieces. Whatever a player has become, playing different positions, he's exceptional, exceptional. Nico today has been defensively, offensively, with the pace, we keep the ball and have the composure to take it. Again, arriving in the final third, provoke the second goal, I'll help to do that, what happened. You know, the goal, the first goal in the Stamford Bridge or the semi-final against them.

44:22So, yeah, what a season. I don't know who's the best player of the season, but the young one, guys, has to be delivered, for sure.

44:32Gary Neville:What would you say about Donnarumma's day? Because obviously he's at fault for the goal. I think, I mean, that's clear. but then he reacts most of the time. He makes an unbelievable save from Havertz and then plays his part in the second goal as well. Absolutely. So what I wanted to play, I like a lot. We talk about that, to use him in Trist, because otherwise that... But, you know, Kusa has to block better.

44:59The aggression of the guy, I don't know who scored.

45:03Gary Neville:Their goal, Havertz. Havertz? Yeah, I was aggressive with that, so no doubt about that. But I liked the reaction of his mates, they were there to hug him and that is when we worked this season incredibly. When I see the teams that concede a goal and everybody complaining, everybody for themselves, I don't like. And they were together and after they helped us to grow our safe. Shall we finish with a question on the City great that is Bernardo, player of the match today? because he's leaving well voted by Gary Neville I don't know what his intent was but just the little bits that he does there was one chasing back Havertz when it was a one-on-one a header away where I think he beats Jokerez in the air all those little bits on top of his skill hunger I mean you've said it so many times but it makes him a great player as he has been for you right?

45:55Gary Neville:If you continue to talk I will cry so be careful so be careful we'll be so emotional at the moment he's going to to live. Bernardo is Bernardo. You cannot define him, you know, as I know, it's not thank you, Gary, for the man of the match, a good decision, but I had the feeling that it has attributes that have not been seen sometimes with a public figure, you know. The stutter is not fast, it's not strong, it's not... But football starts from here and finishes with fits. And that guy starts from here. And you have a few of them the teams always will be just grateful I feel gratitude you know what they have done this guy for many many years thank you you're welcome my goodness me they are going to miss him the seal of approval Gary from Pep Guardiola go on then Bernardo Silva I mean I think we used to think this about David Silva didn't we for many years when we came to watch him it was almost like a privilege to watch him play I think Peter Drury gave a stat that he's played 45 games minimum in every season of his nine seasons at Manchester City.

47:04Gary Neville:That's at the highest level. You talk about consistency. He's heading it out of his own box against a six-foot-two centre-half one minute. He's then back playing one-on-one against a six-foot-two centre-forward the next second. He's pressing the highest in the next second. And then this, he's running the absolute football match. And this is the best football match that we can have in our country at this moment in time. And he's dominated that game in that second half. And he's hugged him at the end. I mean, he's asking him to clap. But he honestly, he's absolutely right. That was an unbelievable performance that we saw out there today.

47:34Patrick Vieira:About how versatile he is as well. I mentioned that before, Gary. He's playing in a variety of different positions, but he does well in any position that he plays.

47:40Gary Neville:Again, Peter said it, he's just always there. Wherever you think that a player should be, he turns up and is there. And look, he's a very different central midfield player than Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira. You think about the giants of the game who grip of big matches. This is being done in a very different way in 2026. He's gripped this football match today. And it was incredible what we saw out there in that second half in particular. By the way, I think Arsenal pressed on to him in that first half where they had the high energy. I think Erdegaard and Rice really stepped in. The problem was in the second half when they fatigue you, City, and they wear you out, you can't get on to him as much.

48:15Gary Neville:He just kept going deeper, didn't he, and just trying to draw one. And it became more difficult for them than Arsenal players to get close to him. Another modern legend of Manchester City, isn't he, Bernardo Silva, There might be another one that needs a trophy here around the Etihad Stadium. Let's remind you again of the table. And you're going to see a lot of this, aren't you, in the coming few weeks? Because Manchester City are still in second place. And, you know, we sort of almost crown them champions here today,

48:45Patrick Vieira:but they've got some work to do. No, but it's not the fact. It's the fact that coming into this game, could they stay within three points? No district to Burnley, expect Man City to go and win at Burnley. Then they become top of the table. And that's what we were all expecting. That's what we were all thinking would happen. And the big sort of chat today, could Arsenal get a draw here? And they couldn't. Man City did it. And they're doing it. So why would everyone rip them off? A reminder, if they win at Burnley, which you would expect them to do, which you do expect them to do, they will go top on goal difference.

49:20So then Arsenal play twice against Newcastle and Fulham. Could go six clear again before City go to Everton, who've made life pretty difficult for Liverpool today, albeit lost. And Brentford, who'll be chasing European football themselves. So it's going to be a little bit nip and tuck, isn't it, in these final minutes?

49:39Gary Neville:Yeah, but Arsenal, from their count, would believe that City are going to win every game. That has to be their mindset. And obviously it'll be the same for them. I think you can't be looking at other teams to try and do your favour. and that's why he was in Arsenal hands a little bit today to come here and try and get a result and a good result obviously would have been a draw so that's the frustration but Arsenal will not be sitting in that direction believing that Man City and one of the biggest words in sport is momentum and City have at the moment and Arsenal have lost it. Also beating in 13 as well.

50:04Gary Neville:Dave I'm not sure that Pep Guardiola thought in November, December that he had a team capable of winning the league this year. Kusinov hadn't emerged Gay wasn't in the club Semenya wasn't in the club Nico O 'Reilly wasn't at the level. All of a sudden these four or five players Cherky, O 'Reilly, Kusunov, Gehi Nico O 'Reilly have just stepped up a massive level in the last four to six weeks and you thought how is Pep Guardiola going to build this sort of third championship winning team they've gone from being a vulnerable immature back four to being one now that looks like it can play together in sort of big games so these five players have sort of will be stepped up at a level that probably we didn't think they were capable of in this season I'm not sure even Pep Guardiola thought he would be in this position he kept saying didn't he will be a great team next season Yeah, I think this is a head of where they thought they might be and I think where we all thought they might be.

50:53Patrick Vieira:That's down on Arsenal opening the door for them. You know, we can talk about Man City. The reason why I said it would come to this game is because it was dependent on what Arsenal did. And Arsenal, in this running, they had the chance to put games to bed and they haven't done it. And now they've sort of brought that pressure on themselves. We should perhaps also remember that City's best winning run over the course of this season and last is six matches. So they're up to two already by virtue of beating Chelsea and Arsenal here today. But to win the league, they might have to go on a winning run for the rest of the season.

51:27Does there come a point, Patrick, where in this position you are starting to think about goal difference? Yeah, of course you will start to think about it. There's only five games remaining. And just to disagree a little bit with Gary, I don't believe that a manager like Pep in December will say, okay, if we qualify for the Champions League, I will be happy with it. I don't think that is a profile on the top of manager. I think he will challenge. And he is where he was maybe hoping the teams to be. I think he brings some quality players in December and players are growing up and build this kind of belief and confidence.

52:03And in the back of his head, he is where he wanted to be. And they will be there at the end of the season. They're winning the games today, give them that belief, that momentum. and I think now it will be Arsenal who will have to chase them because I don't see them dropping points.

52:19Gary Neville:Yeah, but they've got a lift. Obviously, Mike is saying there, but you then get a lift from Arsenal slipping up. That keeps your spirits up because even last week, the Bournemouth game, the day before Arsenal went to the Chelsea game, when these results are coming to, we've all been there, a good or positive result or a negative result comes in and they can give you a lift. You go, tell you what, maybe they are getting nervous and they're at our place next week. That would give you a lift. So they've had encouragement, but of course they made the most of it. It's well and good getting an opportunity.

52:43Gary Neville:But they took it, obviously, going to Chelsea last week, winning today in a tight game, even though they gave up a few chances. And that's where I go back to that momentum, certainly in the City dressing room now. But we can't have a play-off, but we could have this title going down to goal difference if they all win the remaining games. Mikey, you've experienced this very famously before.

53:03Patrick Vieira:Yeah, Mancini always said, score. I remember coming in half-time, one game. But look at these games. West Brom, Norwich, Wolves, United. and the United, I'm looking at the United game and that's when Vincent Kompany scored that header and that's when we fought the momentum. No respect to West Brom and Norwich and Wolves, we all thought we could win then. It was like, get over the line against Man United. For a little bit of added context, you trailed Manchester United on a goal difference by two going into this and then won the Premier League by a goal difference superior of eight. So in those games against West Brom and Norwich, were you consciously chasing the goal?

53:38Patrick Vieira:Constantly chasing. Mancini said, we need to score more and more goals, especially against that Norwich side, who at the time, we thought we could expose them. Wolves away. But then it was just, could you get over the line? And we talk about momentum. Man United was that game for us. Win that game and you get over the line. And the Newcastle away was really, really tough. Remember, Yaya stepped up massively in that game. And then the last game of the season, it could have gone anyway. But it's just Mancini constantly saying, score more goals, because that could be the difference at the end. And it was.

54:11drink it in could you actually see a situation feasibly where they do both win all the way through to the end of the season

54:19Gary Neville:no I don't think both teams will win every game yeah I don't think Arsenal will win five games and City win five games and Arsenal win it on goal I think City are going to have to drop points somewhere in my mind I'm not quite sure where that is I do think they've got a massive massive advantage which games would you see Arsenal not winning on paper you'd say the Everton game just because it can be a tough game. Now where do you see Arsenal dropping points? I think next Saturday night it's got a lot of danger because look Arsenal I think have played well here today. They couldn't come here today and freeze and they couldn't come here with a glass half empty approach and they haven't done.

54:56Gary Neville:They played really well I think. They're on an awful run. They are but I just think next the nerves inside that stadium if Arsenal don't start well next Saturday night or if Newcastle get a goal next Saturday night is imperative Arsenal have to get over the line in this game. Do you think there's more pressure going into that game than they would have been had they been leading. You know how tense it's been there all season. I know and I think that tension will still be there next Saturday night a little bit and I think Arsenal will have to cope with that next Saturday and come through it. But that's part of the challenge of tension.

55:23Gary Neville:I think the City players would have had tension today, they're at home. The manager said it if they don't win today the league's over. So that's the challenge for these Arsenal players going back to the last few seasons and playing under pressure. That's what the game's about and City have been the best team in this country by far for the last six, seven, eight years playing under pressure. Imagine the pressure that City players were on today in front of their own fans. But they'd turned up. And you get the plaudits and Gary said, I think it's no good getting plaudits when you get beaten. It's absolutely no good to you.

55:51Patrick Vieira:No, but you can take positives, can't you? No, we're losing today. We can't a little bit. They're Arsenal football clubs. It's not a small club, it's a big club. I'm not saying that. I'm saying how we thought Arsenal would set up today. I thought Arsenal would do all right today. They would go in a low block. That's what we've seen. If you look at Arsenal's last five games, they've not been playing well. In some games they've been getting over the line, in some games not. Today they showed when they press and when they're aggressive, they're a better team.

56:16Gary Neville:Truly you have to spin that, don't you, Roy? You're all surprised I asked him and done well here today. It's not good getting on the bus or the train. We should do that.

56:24Patrick Vieira:It's a mentality. Do you want the plodits or the points? What do you want? Of course you want the points, and we said that earlier on. But we're talking about a team taking positives going into the next game. And they played a lot better. Right. Well, did you expect Arsenal to play as good as this in terms of offensive? Yeah, I did. You must have did. They're top of the table. They're a good team.

56:43Gary Neville:They're no mugs. I just said, I think, Arteta at the end in his dressing room, he'll be saying, I'm proud of you. Play at that standard for the rest of the season and we'll win games. I'm proud of you. Gary. Micah, in my experience, this is a movable object on this point.

57:00Patrick Vieira:What's the thing I've brought him next to me?

57:02Gary Neville:Hold on. I'm proud of you. No, my point is, I think he'll say, I'm proud of the way you play. and I think he'll say that if we play at that standard for the rest of the season, we'll win all five games. I'm proud of the goal we gave away. That's the winning goal. That's a defining moment. It's in the goalkeeper's one hand, and 10 seconds later, it's in our goal. That's something to be proud of. I don't think he'll say they were perfect at every moment in the game, but I think he'll say... And City weren't perfect, but City won the game. I know. Before we move on to Arsenal, do you think that Pep Guardiola gives Manchester City an advantage in this race?

57:31Of course. Of course, a huge advantage. He's been there, he's done it, and he knows what it takes to win. And obviously this experience, the way he's communicating with the players and the way he's conducting himself, the message that he's sending around, even to the press, I think he's composed when he's around. And of course the confidence and the belief that he's given to the players to go there and to perform the way they did today. And I think it's everything surrounding the team and the football club. I think there is a huge foundation that has been built in this football club. And I think that allowed them to manage those kind of games, those kind of situations.

58:13Still behind, but it seems like, according to our panel, they are very much in the driving seat right now. What does Mikel Arteta make of this afternoon then?

58:31Hi everyone, Tom White here. Welcome to Sky Sports FC, the place to have your say on the biggest football stories. Join me and the very best Premier League pundits Monday to Friday, 10 till 12 on Sky Sports News or listen on our brand new podcast, which drops as soon as we come off air. On the pod, you can expect hot takes, fierce debate and some more of your messages. Just search for Sky Sports FC wherever you get your podcasts. Give us a like, follow or subscribe. That's Sky Sports FC, a Sky Sports podcast.

59:12Welcome back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get back to the studio for more reaction to today's game. Four defeats on the bounce for Arsenal in domestic football. Carabao Cup Final 2 City, FA Cup to Southampton and then back-to-back league defeats, which has seen the momentum swung towards Manchester City in this title race. Here is Mikel Arteta. Does he think it's done? He's with Patrick Davison.

59:39Gary Neville:Well, Mikel, I just wonder if the word or the question what if is just going round and round in your head. What if that Ezzershot had been an inch to the right? What if the Havertz header is a touch lower or the one-on-ones a touch higher maybe. But is that ultimately it in these big games, the fine margins to side them? That's exactly that. And when you don't do it and they have the individual quality to deliver the moments that they have delivered, that's a risk you lose again because I don't think there was any difference between the two teams. So what do you say to your play? Is that just bad luck or is it something more?

1:00:11There are a few elements on that. There is an element of luck that the ball goes in or not. In the second one, the ball gets deflected, it goes to Haaland. There is individual quality as well and there is in that moment to be so cool, precise and ruthless and you have to be there.

1:00:27Gary Neville:So one aspect is the result and that obviously doesn't feel great. The other aspect is the performance. You wanted to come here and show yourselves, turn up, give a proper account of yourself. Did you do that? We absolutely did that, especially the way we end up the game and right from the beginning the attitude of the team. We could have been a bit more composed in certain moments, but we certainly took the game to areas that we wanted and we knew that we had a big chance to win it. We've been very close, not close enough, and now we have to reset. We lost an opportunity today, a big one, but there is still another five to go and we need to reset and go again because it's a lot of positives to take from the game.

1:01:06Gary Neville:Just tell us about how you tried to go about it today. It was a very front-footed looking team sheet, lots of creative players on there and you were very aggressive. At one point as they were trying to play out, Gabriel has come from centre-half, I can't remember who to press. It's an indication of the intent, right? 100%. With the ball we had the same one and we generated a situation that we believe we could generate. There is even one that is onside on the halfway line and totally free to go 1v1. We did that but we know. We are in the level that we are in because this team has taken us there, that's the level that you have to be to win it and today there are certain elements which is the most important one when you're in front of goal and big chances like we had today against them, you need to put it away to come away from the Etihad with the three points.

1:01:56Gary Neville:As we'd expect from two teams this good, was that an absolutely elite top level football match? Yes, you had moments, obviously there was a lot of battle as well and intensity because you expect that but there are a big part of the game that had a lot of similarities with the first 28 minutes of the cup final because we had two massive chances as well to go ahead and we didn't and that changes the course of the game. In domestic competition it's four defeats in a row but that, isn't that the best you played in a little while today would you say? I don't know, we take it game by game. I think we had some very good moments a few days ago in the Champions League as well against the Sporting.

1:02:36We are playing so many games and we are the only team that is playing and playing and playing and playing. That's a difference as well. The positive thing that we see in the level today, we can cope with that. Not only that, we can be even better. There are five games to go and we are going to give a real go to it.

1:02:52Gary Neville:Psychologically, how big a test is it going to be to respond? The scrutiny and the pressure has been pretty intense on you guys anyway and you know what the kind of the narrative out of this will be it's it's cities to lose now they're all there momentum wise feel in the box seat how do you counter that within your own dressing room i know we have full belief that we can do it i mean we've been doing it today we show again the team that um that we are is in our hands and is there for a second thank you thank you do you think he's he's just mentally exhausted by now Well it's tough going as he said he's got a lot of challenges they've got European they're obviously in a lot of cup competition up to the last few weeks but that's part of the challenge for him and I agree with him sometimes in this game you need a little bit of luck but the challenges Arsenal have got and obviously talking about the league campaign obviously they've got a couple of tough games in the Champions League at Atletico Madrid that will take a lot out of them so yeah they will be up against it they've played well but they did miss some great chances and they've no one to blame put themselves for that.

1:03:5622 years, Patrick. 22 years. Is history weighing too heavily, do you think? It is, of course. It's quite really heavy. There's a lot of pressure around, and I think there's a high expectation from the fans as well. You can feel the fans quite tense and nervous because they want to win it so badly. But this is the moment where Mikel and his staff have to manage this kind of pressure to release those pressure for the players and to perform. And I think today they had a good game. They played, they were like front foot and they were quite really aggressive. I think it's tactics. Of course it matters.

1:04:34And of course that will not make you win or lose games. But when you're looking at the games that they played against both moves, so they played the games in the Champions League, I felt that today they were quite more up to it and more up front. and the details between those two teams is that they didn't take their chances and City took their chances. And I don't think City was a better team. I don't think City created more than them. The differences between those two teams is that Haaland scored a winning goal and others didn't.

1:05:06Gary Neville:Yeah, my point is that they gave themselves a great chance to win the football match by creating great chances and pressing or whatever. But my chat is after the dressing room, you can't become known after a game and say we've played well and haven't lost such a big game. You get nowhere far with that attitude.

1:05:20Patrick Vieira:It was more taking the positives from the game. Oh, there we go. No, it is taking the positives. You know, Arsenal without full-backs, Calafiore, Timber, Moreno is engine in midfield as well. They've sort of missed a little bit.

1:05:33Gary Neville:They've got one of the best squads in the league, so that's part of the challenge. Injuries, disappointments, suspensions or whatever, that's part of your season. They're the challenges. but you take the positives but after the dream scenario you turn out for every big game play well and win but if you can't do that you think I'll definitely take the victory over playing well of course well whose dressing room would you rather be in would you rather give a national praise for saying you played well I've created chances I'd rather be in a Man City dressing room

1:05:58Patrick Vieira:have a wonder game no but it's not it's not that it's taking the positives from the game that's all that's what we have to play you for Newcastle next week exactly because they've played in a different way where they looked better and they could have what if they play well next week against Newcastle or lose Well, that's... We take the passes over there. Then it becomes a problem. Can I add a little bit more context to these fixtures? Because you've all sort of pointed out that they do have key games. Arsenal are in successive Champions League semifinals for the first time in their history. Does that cloud any thinking around these fixtures?

1:06:26If you're looking at, for a start, Arsenal, Newcastle, Fulham, West Ham, Burnley and Palace, all in the bottom half. And on the other side, you've got City, you've got to play an Everton team and a Bournemouth team and a Villa team who are in the top half.

1:06:41Gary Neville:I think if both teams could hand-pick fixtures, they wouldn't be far away from those run-ins, to be fair, in terms of the last five fixtures. For Arsenal, if you said now you could play Newcastle and Fulham at home, West Ham away, Burnley at home, Palace away, three at home, two away, those teams, you know, obviously West Ham and Owe are in a bit of a relegation battle. Let me add this to it as well, Gary, for you, because the reverse fixture, Arsenal won them all, and the last season they won all of those same fixtures as well. Yeah, I mean, I would expect Arsenal to win all those games, other than the fact that you've got to...

1:07:12Gary Neville:There's a word he mentioned in there, Mikel Arteta, which I think is probably the most important word, was ruthless. You have to be ruthless to get over the line. And there was a point at the end in that sort of commentary where I was saying about if your name's on the trophy and you're going to get over that final hurdle, you have to take a moment. And that Havertz chance felt like a massive moment in this sort of what would be Arsenal season. And they weren't ruthless today. Because I think the performance was there. That's as good as you'll see a team come and play at Manchester City. They were really good.

1:07:39Gary Neville:However, they've missed three or four big chances. Havertz missed, this is the one with the one-on-one with Donnarumma, and Donnarumma comes out. Eze's one off the post. You've then got the Gabriel header. You've then got the Havertz header at the end. You've got three or four... If you said you're going to get four chances like that against Manchester City here, you'd say you have to take one of them. And they've not been ruthless in taking it. So, look, next Saturday they've got to go out. It's a different game against Newcastle where the expectation is on them to be the creators, to be the sort of team that go and win the game.

1:08:05Gary Neville:Today they had to just basically sort of play well and get the result, and they didn't get the result. Do you know what, Nev? Do not underestimate what physical and emotional told them the semi-final against Atletico. That will take a lot out of them. They're big games physically and emotionally because there's so much at stake. Atletico, we know the way they play them with their manager. That will take a lot out of this Arsenal group. Are you still of the view, Patrick, that it is now or never for Arsenal? Yes, but I think that it's in City's hand now. I think it's in City's hand now. Arsenal will have to win the remaining game.

1:08:38So do City. Sorry? So do City. Yeah, but I believe that City will do it. City will do it. City will compete. They know how to do it. They've been there. And one game's a week, and they have players coming back from injuries. They've got the momentum and the belief on their side. For me, it's...

1:08:54Gary Neville:Patrick, what about Rodri holding his groin? If that's two or three weeks, that could be a big factor, because without him, they do drop off quite a bit. Of course, you need your best players to be fit and to be on the field. And if Rogre's injury is three weeks, then there's the question mark there. But they've got so much players around and winning the huge... This is a huge three points. It's just the three points, but there's a mental side, the belief on their side now. And I don't see them dropping points. And Arsenal have got players coming back potentially as well, still potentially got Saka...

1:09:26Gary Neville:They missed their two full-backs today, by the way. Calafiore to come back to. Yeah, I think Timber and Calafiore, look, I mean, every team misses players, but when you've got two centre-backs at full-back, it means you don't get the sort of what would be the play and the combinations from the defensive. I know these two think that you can play full-back easy in your sleep, and that's what I mean. It's the easiest position in the world. But actually, to be on the ball as a full-back, you know, Nico O 'Reilly and Nunes were very good on the ball today, and Arsenal didn't have that. All right. What colour are these ribbons going to be at the end of this season?

1:09:53Are they going to be... Let's put it on the line now. I've got deviated. You asked me November, and it's the same.

1:09:57Patrick Vieira:I think Man City won today. They're going to be blue. Patrick? Did you not say Arsenal at the start of the season? No, no. Roll the tapes. Because that's what you do. You say one thing and you forget. I've said, if Man City win today, this is the game, that will win the league. I've always said. Listen, there's still 15 points on the table, but if I have to answer the question, I will say it will have to be blue today.

1:10:21Gary Neville:Gary? Yeah, for the first time this season, I'm probably going to say they're going to be blue. I don't care. You said Arsenal. I said Arsenal. I'm going to stick with Arsenal. So of course I'm going to stick with them. You still think Arsenal will get there? No, that belief's not as strong as it was before the game. Obviously, City've got the momentum and Pep. I'm going to have to stick with Arsenal because I called them at the start of the season. Well, the stats guys, I don't know what you make of this, but the stats guys have been at it as well. And Opta say that Arsenal still have a 73 % chance.

1:10:55How? That doesn't include pressure. How's that? Because they still lead by three points and because of the fixtures that they've got left. there you go so that makes a mockery of our last half of it I'm arguing with the computer

1:11:11Gary Neville:aren't I well they will they will replicate games over thousands and thousands of times are they taking the Champions League games into it as well or are they just focusing on the league are they taking the context of who is manager of the clubs who has won it more you know those things are important aren't they we'll ask the questions Gary thank you trying to get back to you 73 % Arsenal we will We will see. Right, what else have we got for you?

1:11:41We will go into this in a bit more detail, of course, on Monday Night Football, and it is a massive night for West Ham United as well. Results have gone, well, one way and the other for them this weekend. 6.30 that tomorrow. Tuesday night, we'll see Brighton Chelsea. Wednesday, we do see Manchester City back in action at Burnley is the first of these games in this run-in. And also, we're watching Bournemouth take on Leeds. Before next weekend, which starts on Friday with Sunderland Forest. Oh, you're on Thursday night. You missed that. You've done Wednesday. You've done Friday. You've done Thursday.

1:12:17Big games across the EFL as well. And, of course, Arsenal have the chance to respond to City against Burnley when they take on Newcastle on Saturday. and a week on Monday, we've got Manchester United up against Brentford. So it's our thanks to Joaquin, to Patrick Vieira, to Michael Richards and to Gary Neville. The City have beaten Arsenal here today and regardless of what others might say, it is a straight shootout now for the title. But as the sun has dipped over Manchester, certainly tonight, the blue moon is starting to rise again. Good night from us.

1:12:57Thanks for listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Don't forget to hit follow so you don't miss an episode.