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Arsenal under pressure as EPL title race tightens

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1 month ago

January 30, 2026

Arsenal face pressure in EPL title race after recent slip-ups as Manchester City and Aston Villa close in, with Leeds United next in their path

Arsenal enter the Premier League weekend under pressure, clinging to a four‑point lead after a damaging 3–2 home defeat to Manchester United last Sunday.

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The loss, combined with draws against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, has allowed both Manchester City and Aston Villa to close in during a crucial stretch of the campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Elland Road tomorrow to face Leeds United, who have strengthened their survival credentials this season.

Leeds sit 16th but have suffered only two home league defeats all season and are unbeaten in their last five home games, scoring in 10 of 11 matches at Elland Road.

Arsenal arrive on a three-match winless league run. Their away form has generally been strong, but only two of their last six league matches on the road have resulted in victories.

With their lead narrowing, the Gunners cannot afford another slip.

Former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, whose Galatasaray side lost 2–0 to his old team in the Champions League on Wednesday, said he is following England’s title race closely and backs City to challenge Arsenal.

“I think they have the momentum right now,” Gundogan said. “Once City get that rhythm, it’s very difficult for opponents to stop them. The Premier League is special because any team can get something against another, but right now City look strong.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City face Spurs on Sunday, aware that Arsenal’s result against Leeds could shift the title race.

Second-placed City are level on points with third-placed Aston Villa and have been boosted by January signings Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi.

Striker Erling Haaland also ended his 10-game open-play goal drought on Wednesday.

Liverpool host Newcastle United at Anfield in a match crucial to both sides’ ambitions.

Liverpool, sixth after a 3-2 loss at Bournemouth last weekend, secured a 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag on Wednesday.

Coach Arne Slot stressed the need for consistent improvement in domestic league play.

“Showing one good performance isn’t enough,” Slot said. “We need to maintain that level consistently if we want to challenge near the top.”