Sunday's clash at the Etihad carries weight beyond points. Arsenal arrive one point behind Manchester City, but a victory would give Mikel Arteta the proof he has long been denied. A draw maintains City's slim lead, yet the Gunners have already harvested 12 points from the current top six, a tally that still trails the 18‑point benchmark usually required for the title.

Last season's 4‑1 loss at the Etihad still haunts the club; a 1‑1 stalemate in March was praised as progress, but it failed to overturn City’s march to a sixth crown in seven years. Arteta’s trophy cabinet remains limited to an empty‑Wembley Cup from his debut season, while semi‑final exits in Europe and the League Cup underline the missing big moment.

A win would push Arsenal level on points and swing momentum, forcing City into a rare chase. Gary Neville warned that titles are won by landing one on the opponent, a test Arteta cannot afford to miss as he approaches the final year of his contract. Sunday's result will decide whether the Gunners finally shed the label of perennial runners‑up.