Arsenal's Premier League title charge has stalled dramatically after back-to-back defeats by Bournemouth and Manchester City, with Mikel Arteta's side now level on goal difference but second on goals scored. The Gunners could have opened a 12-point lead but have won just six of their past 13 league games, allowing Pep Guardiola's side to seize momentum.

Wayne Rooney, speaking on the BBC's podcast, revealed Sir Alex Ferguson used to urge his Manchester United squad to keep scoring because titles can be decided on goal difference. "Arsenal have been trying to nick 1-0 wins but they need to change that mindset and go at teams and win by three or four goals," Rooney said. Ten of Arsenal's 21 wins have come by a single goal - the highest percentage by a potential champion since Leicester's 2016 triumph.

Psychologist Phil Johnson told BBC Sport Arsenal's energy dropped when they held a nine-point lead: "They're so close to the finish line that for a moment they imagine that they've already won." The Gunners are on course to be the lowest-scoring champions from open play since Leicester's 2015-16 side, averaging just 1.15 such goals per game. They host Newcastle in second place for the first time since August.