Arsenal left Villa Park with a 1‑0 win over Everton but a late draw against Nottingham Forest left a sour taste. Mikel Arteta reminded his squad that the seven‑point gap to rivals is their last realistic shot still at ending the Premier League title drought that has haunted the club since 2004.

Meanwhile, Manchester City stumbled at Old Trafford, failing to win against Manchester United, while Liverpool slipped to a draw with Burnley, leaving them 14 points adrift. Aston Villa’s home streak ended as Everton snatched a win, underscoring the inconsistency of Arsenal’s challengers and tightening Arteta’s grip on the summit.

Arteta’s side now controls its destiny; a single slip could hand the crown to a faltering rival. Fans and pundits alike will watch whether the Gunners can maintain their league‑best defence while sharpening a goal‑scoring edge. Rumours of Unai Emery targeting striker Tammy Abraham for Aston Villa add another subplot to an already tense title chase.