The Premier League title race: Arsenal still have a chance, it's time for Mikel Arteta to 'release the handbrake'

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice told his teammates after the defeat to Manchester City that "it's not over yet." That assessment is entirely accurate.

The title race is still undecided, clearly demonstrated by City's hard-fought win over Burnley. Pep Guardiola's team moved into top spot after a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor, but only lead on goals scored.

When Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the fifth minute, many believed City would build a significant goal difference advantage. However, despite firing 28 shots, including nine on target, they only added one more goal. Haaland appeared irritated when questioned about the wasted opportunities, stressing that the three points were the most important thing.

Nevertheless, scoring only one goal against Burnley is clearly a missed opportunity, and that undoubtedly provides a bit of motivation for Arsenal during the most difficult phase of the season. The question is whether they have the courage to seize this chance.

Arsenal are in an undesirable situation. More than a month ago, they led by a 10-point margin and were mentioned as contenders for a "quadruple." But two consecutive Premier League defeats, along with the loss to City in the Carabao Cup final and the shock FA Cup quarter-final elimination by Southampton, have revived familiar doubts about the team's resilience. Pressure is mounting on Arteta and his players: they must prove they are capable of winning a major trophy, while avoiding the worst possible collapse in the title race.

However, this precarious yet salvageable situation could actually help Arsenal break through. Wayne Rooney once remarked that Arteta's team spent the entire season seeking 1-0 wins in the style of George Graham. Now, they have no other choice but to attack decisively.

Many neutral fans remain unconvinced by Arsenal. The team relies heavily on set-pieces, stretches time, exploits minor tactical details, and has even been criticized for antics. But what disappoints viewers most is the style of play. Arsenal possess a young, technically gifted squad, yet they display cautious, uninspired football. A few years ago, they played captivating football, but Arteta deliberately shifted to a safer, controlled style in pursuit of success.

The consequence is that many neutral fans even prefer Manchester City to win the title, despite the club facing over 115 alleged financial rule breaches. The simple reason: City play more attractive football. Nevertheless, Arsenal are in a rare situation, level on points with the league leaders before the final five rounds. Like a penalty shootout, they get to take the first two kicks at home.

Within a week, Arsenal will host Newcastle and Fulham at Emirates. This offers an opportunity not only to build a six-point lead before City play, but also to improve their goal difference. Newcastle are struggling, winning only three of their last 12 matches and keeping one clean sheet since January 18th. Therefore, manager Eddie Howe faces significant pressure ahead of the trip to London.

Marco Silva's Fulham are in a more relaxed mood as the manager is being considered by Chelsea, but the team's form is also not impressive. They sit 12th, just three points above Newcastle, and have defensive issues having conceded 46 goals this season – more than relegation-battling Nottingham Forest.

The question is whether Arsenal are capable of defeating both opponents, even winning convincingly. Confidence has been eroded after four losses in their last six matches. The 1-2 home defeat to Bournemouth was particularly concerning. However, there were positive signs from the loss to City. Arsenal played more adventurously than expected, created numerous chances in the second half, and could have earned a point.

Nevertheless, they also exposed a weakness by being too open, repeatedly facing counter-attack threats. Arteta's challenge is to find balance: not needing frenzied attacking, but must start proactively and maintain high intensity. The one-week break could help key players like Rice or Martin Zubimendi recover physically. However, the bigger issue lies in mentality.

Many experts argue Arsenal are overly cautious, especially in big matches. Gary Neville once stated Arteta is more concerned about avoiding defeat than securing victory. Roy Keane also pointed out Arsenal control the tempo through set-pieces and build-up from deep – a tactic effective for most of the season but unlikely to carry them to the finish line. Meanwhile, Manchester City have never lost the title when leading after 33 rounds.

Arteta said "a new Premier League" began after the defeat to City, and this phase demands positivity. The "win 1-0" formula is no longer sufficient. If Arteta is ready to "release the handbrake," Arsenal can still regain control and even reclaim top spot in the season's most intense title race.