The Premier League title is out of Arsenal’s hands after a crushing 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa left Manchester City two points clear at the top.
Arsenal had much the better of a goalless first half, without creating too many clear chances, but looked devoid of energy after the break and were totally outplayed by Villa.
The goals came late, with Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins scoring in the 84th and 87th minutes to give Villa a classic away victory.
Watkins also hit the post in the first half, while Youri Tielemans walloped a curling shot against the post and bar early in the second.
Arsenal’s best chance fell to Leandro Trossard just before half-time, when the former Gunners keeper Emi Martinez made a stunning save with his right foot.
The Gunners played some bright football in the first half, with Martin Odegaard superb, but were regularly thwarted by an admirable Villa defensive performance.
Villa set their sights higher after the break, controlling the tempo of the game to make the home crowd increasingly nervous.
Everyone at the Emirates knew that even a 0-0 draw wasn’t good enough for Arsenal. It was to get far worse.
Liverpool’s stunning defeat against Crystal Palace was followed by Arsenal’s slow second-half collapse against Villa, leaving City two points clear with six games to go.
There may well be more twists – all three teams have to play Spurs in the run-in – but it will surprise nobody if this is remembered as the day City won their fourth consecutive Premier League. The title is back in their hands, and the evidence of the last eight years is that they have an intimidatingly firm grip.
