Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have been handed a major boost after Manchester City's goalless draw with Sunderland, as they look to clinch their first Premier League title in more than two decades
Mikel Arteta applauds
Arsenal currently lead the Premier League table(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media, Getty Images)
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Arsenal have been handed a major double boost in their endeavours of clinching this season's Premier League title, following a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light. Contenders Manchester City were held by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Thursday.
While the result will be disappointing enough for Pep Guardiola, the Spanish tactician now also has new injury concerns to contend with. Nico Gonzalez, who has been filling in for Rodri, was substituted and replaced by the Ballon d'Or winner who made his comeback.
Then, the on-form Savinho was replaced by Jeremy Doku early in the second half. These two injuries will undoubtedly cause anxiety for Guardiola, while Gunners fans may be experiencing a touch of Schadenfreude.
Against the Black Cats, Guardiola saw both Erling Haaland and Phil Foden squander good opportunities in the penalty area. The pair have netted 26 goals between them this season, but neither could get past Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
After the match, the City manager admitted: "It is a mystery, I don't have the answer to your question. We created a lot against that team, especially in the second half.
"In the first half we struggled because of their pressing, but Rodri gave us the extra pass, the composure to break the lines and after that we could run. Second half was much, much better."
It was the first time City had drawn in 10 matches. Their stalemate allowed the Gunners to extend their lead over their Premier League title rivals to four points.
Manchester City's Spanish midfielder #14 Nico Gonzalez (L) gets treatment during the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester City at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland in north east England on January 1, 2026
Nico Gonzalez picked up an injury(Image: AFP or licensors)
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However, there are still numerous hurdles for the north Londoners. Throughout the season, Mikel Arteta's injury list has been extensive.
While the return of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz is a boost, other areas of the squad are still lacking. Declan Rice appears to be facing more time out of action, while Riccardo Calafiori is a significant doubt for the upcoming match against Bournemouth.
Summer recruit Cristhian Mosquera is also likely to be missing for most of January, while young prodigy Max Dowman will likely be out for a while longer.
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester City at Stadium of Light on January 01, 2026 in Sunderland, England
Pep Guardiola endured a difficult evening at Sunderland(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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For Arsenal, the pressure is about to ramp up, as they face a gruelling schedule of six crucial matches in just 17 days. The Gunners are off to Bournemouth on Saturday and then welcome Liverpool to their home ground the following Thursday.
An FA Cup away game with Portsmouth falls on Sunday 11 January, before they head to Stamford Bridge for the first leg of their League Cup semi-final against Chelsea. A match against Nottingham Forest awaits them on January 17, followed by a journey to Italy on January 20 to face Inter Milan in the Champions League.
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