Arsenal's 2-2 draw with bottom-placed Wolves on 18/2 risks Man City closing the gap to two points. With the two teams set to face each other directly at Etihad Stadium on 18/4, Man City would secure the title if they win all their remaining 12 matches.

Coach Arteta instructs Arsenal players during the 2-2 draw with Wolves at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, United Kingdom, in an early match of premier league round 31 on the evening of 18/2/2026. Photo: PA

On The Rest Is Football podcast, Alan Shearer believes Arsenal still has a chance but faces significant psychological challenges, having finished second in the premier league for three consecutive seasons. He suggests that two consecutive derbies against Tottenham on 22/2 and Chelsea on 1/3 could determine Arsenal's fate early.

"I think they can still win, but it will be very close", the former England striker said. "If they need a response after this stumble, the North London derby is the perfect opportunity. I never thought Arsenal would have an easy path. There will be stumbles and pressure. Let's see how they perform".

Shearer also questioned Arteta's future if the team continues to fall short in the title race. The 55-year-old former striker highlighted that Arteta has received strong backing in the transfer market since taking charge in late 2019, yet has only secured one major trophy: the FA Cup. According to Transfermarkt, under the Spanish manager's more than six-year tenure, Arsenal has spent over 1 billion USD on 42 new players.

"If they don't win the league, Arteta might not be at Arsenal. With the opportunities they've had and the money invested in the current squad, Arsenal must win the title", Shearer emphasized.

According to the former England striker, psychologically, conquering the Champions League might even be "easier" for Arsenal compared to the premier league, where they consistently falter under pressure from Man City.

Former defender Micah Richards suggested that Arteta has had to adjust his playing style to compete with Pep Guardiola. "There's nothing wrong with being more pragmatic against Pep. But if he doesn't win, he'll be judged on both results and playing style. Arteta needs to cross that final line for himself", Richards commented.

Arsenal is still competing in four competitions: the premier league, the Champions League (round of 16), the FA Cup (they will face Mansfield Town in round five on 7/3), and the League Cup final (a clash with Man City on 22/3).

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)