Arsenal will have been keeping an eye on events at Craven Cottage, where Manchester City’s win over Fulham cut the gap at the top of the table to two points.
Arsenal watched events unfold from across the Thames as Manchester City edged Fulham in a wild 5–4 encounter — a result that trimmed the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League to two points ahead of their matchweek 14 meeting with Brentford.
Erling Haaland once again proved unstoppable, scoring his 15th league goal of the season, but City’s display was far from convincing. While Pep Guardiola’s side showed their attacking power, Mikel Arteta will have noticed the defensive frailties that almost cost City all three points.
Manchester City concede four goals — something Arsenal haven’t done in nearly 1,000 days
Few would have predicted a nine-goal thriller at Craven Cottage. City led 5–1 before collapsing defensively, allowing Fulham to claw their way back and finish the game 5–4.
Remarkably, this marks the first time City have conceded four goals in a league match since April 2023 — the same month Arsenal last did so, in a 4–1 defeat at the Etihad. For the Gunners, 952 days have passed since they shipped four in a Premier League game, underscoring the consistency of Arteta’s back line.
Arsenal may not challenge Chelsea’s historic defensive record, but City’s struggles put into perspective just how disciplined and organised Arteta’s side have become.
Arsenal’s defensive dominance sets them apart in the title race
While City showed they aren’t entirely dependent on Haaland, the real story is their vulnerability without the ball. Conceding four goals pushed their Premier League total to 16, nine more than Arsenal.
The Gunners remain the only team in the league yet to concede double digits this season, having allowed just seven goals in total — fewer than City conceded in 45 minutes at Craven Cottage.
The defensive numbers speak for themselves. As long as Arsenal maintain this level of control at the back, they strengthen their claim to what increasingly looks within reach: the Premier League title.
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