“Manchester City dominates Arsenal and takes the lead in the Premier League.”

Manchester City dealt a fatal blow in the race for the Premier League title by crushing Arsenal in a decisive clash at the Etihad on Sunday. With this victory, the citizens take absolute control of the title race, with the possibility of taking the lead in the table as early as next Wednesday, should they win their postponed match against Burnley.

With only five matches remaining in the season—after City‘s visit to Burnley—momentum is entirely on the side of Pep Guardiola and his team. If they can win all six remaining games, the title will be virtually assured. The best hope for Arsenal would be to match the points tally by winning five consecutive matches, something that seems increasingly unlikely given the sharp decline in form of the Gunners.

Let us recall that, before the international break in March, Arsenal had a comfortable nine-point lead over City. That gap is about to disappear completely.

The fall of Arsenal in the title race is once again dramatic. After an intense effort in the Champions League midweek, Arsenal’s players appeared visibly exhausted and unable to withstand the perfectly oiled machine of Manchester City, rested and hungry for glory. This match was, above all, a demonstration of the hunger, quality, and experience of City in the decisive moments of the season. Under Guardiola’s command, the citizens are true kings of spring, always hitting their best when the pressure is at its peak. Interestingly, before this clash, City held an impressive record of winning 78% of the last ten final matches of the season since the arrival of the Spanish coach.

In contrast, Arsenal has shown an opposite pattern. They tried to hold on, but City’s superiority was evident, even after the blunder by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who allowed a quick goal from Arsenal for the initial equalizer.

Although Manchester City still has a demanding path ahead to secure the title, with tough opponents, the truth is that the destiny is in their hands. If they win all the remaining games while maintaining the advantage in goal difference, they will become untouchable.

This opportunity, earned through great effort, seems almost impossible for City to escape. Even if they stumble, Arsenal is unlikely to take advantage, given that they will face Atlético Madrid in two decisive matches in the Champions League semi-finals, which could compromise their energy and their chance to achieve five consecutive league victories.

In the clash this Sunday, Arsenal had good opportunities but failed to convert. On the other hand, the Manchester City capitalized on every chance that arose, demonstrating why they are the kings of spring and why they master the final stages of the season.

The title race is on, and Manchester City is one step away from consolidating yet another triumphant surge to the top of the Premier League. The Gunners, in turn, face an increasingly bleak scenario, where the dream of the title seems to slip through their fingers.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.