Following the match at the Etihad Stadium on the evening of 19/4, Arsenal still leads the Premier League with 70 points, three points more than Man City but having played one more match. In the early 34th round match on 22/4, if Pep Guardiola's squad defeats Burnley by at least two goals, they will take the top spot.

After the final whistle, many Arsenal players collapsed onto the pitch, visibly disappointed. However, when captain Odegaard approached to shake hands and offer encouragement, Declan Rice responded emphatically.

"It's not over yet," the English midfielder repeated twice, his face resolute. He seemed determined to convey his belief that Arsenal still has a chance in the title race.

Rice spoke with Odegaard after the match.

Arsenal's start to the match was not poor. Less than two minutes after conceding a goal from Rayan Cherki's solo effort, the visitors equalized at 1-1 thanks to Kai Havertz's pressure on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. In the second half, the "Gunners" created a few good opportunities but failed to convert them, paying the price when Erling Haaland scored from inside the penalty area in the 65th minute.

This marks Arsenal's fourth consecutive domestic defeat, following losses to Bournemouth 1-2 (Premier League 32nd round), Southampton 1-2 (FA Cup quarter-finals), and Man City 0-2 (League Cup final). This is the first time they have experienced such a long losing streak since 3/2018.

The 1-2 defeat to Man City also highlights Arsenal's clear decline during a crucial period. The London club has lost seven of 55 matches across all competitions this season, but notably, four of those defeats occurred in their last six matches, compared to just three losses in the previous 49 games.

Odegaard dribbles during Arsenal's 1-2 loss to Man City in the Premier League 33rd round at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England on 19/4/2026. Photo: Arsenal FC

According to Odegaard, small moments decided the outcome at the Etihad Stadium. The Norwegian midfielder stated that his team played well in the second half, creating significant pressure on Man City's goal, but could not convert chances into goals. Havertz missed a one-on-one opportunity and a close-range header over the bar, while Eberechi Eze curled a shot against the post. Additionally, center-back Gabriel Magalhaes headed the ball against the woodwork.

Ultimately, Odegaard urged the entire team to maintain focus and fighting spirit, asserting that the title race remains open. "This is the best part of the season. We will analyze this match and come back stronger," the 27-year-old midfielder said. "The race will go on until the end of the season. It is important to bounce back from defeat and look ahead to the next match."

Key moments from Man City 2-1 Arsenal.

Despite the defeat, statistical firm Opta still rates Arsenal as the stronger contender with a 69% chance of winning the title, compared to 31% for Man City. This assessment may be due to Arsenal's perceived easier fixture list, which could help them improve their goal difference—a factor that might decide the championship if the two teams finish with equal points.

In their five final matches, Arsenal will face Newcastle, Fulham, West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace. In the first half of the season, Mikel Arteta's squad defeated all five of these opponents. Meanwhile, Man City still has matches against Burnley, Everton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and notably, Aston Villa—a team currently competing for a European competition spot.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail, Mancity.com)