Arsenal lead Manchester City by four points at the top of the Premier League table with 12 matches left to play
10:00, 14 Feb 2026
Arsenal
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Arsenal and Man City are going head-to-head for the Premier League title
There's a long way to go in the Premier League title race and there will be plenty of twists and turns but ultimately, Arsenal are in control of their own destiny.
Mikel Arteta's men need to remain composed, however, that's easier said than done when Manchester City are breathing down your neck.
The Gunners now play first before City's next fixture against Newcastle, which provides them with an opportunity to regain some control.
Arsenal go to Wolves next Wednesday and that is now shaping up to be one of several matches that could shape their fortunes.
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football.london assesses five games that could swing the balance for Arsenal.
Wolves (A) - February 18
Basement boys Wolves are a whopping 11/1 to beat the Gunners. Yet that does not mean by any stretch of imagination that this is a gimme or walkover for Arteta's side.
Molineux has never come without struggle for Arsenal and it's a ground where they've had a number of red cards.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off against Wolves last season in controversial fashion while Gabriel Martinelli previously received two yellows in the same phase of play.
Given Wolves are bottom, however, this is a must-win and you'd expect Arsenal to get back to winning ways in the Black Country.
Mikel Arteta looks on as Myles Lewis-Skelly is sent off against Wolves
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Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off at Wolves last season(Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea (H) - March 1
This game certainly has added spice following Liam Rosenior's warm-up row and Kai Havertz's late goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
Not only that but Chelsea are also hunting Champions League qualification, so there is plenty at stake.
Arsenal without doubt have the quality to beat the Blues, who have now gone 11 matches without beating their London rivals.
They'll be eager to change that miserable record and City will feel Chelsea have the quality to do them a favour at the Emirates Stadium.
Man City (Carabao Cup final) - March 22
This game won't have any direct bearing on the Premier League title race but it might do physiologically.
Whoever wins the EFL Cup final at Wembley will certainly have a mental edge that they can motor onto further domestic glory.
Arsenal have not won a trophy under Arteta since 2020 and most of the current squad are yet to taste silverware.
Beating City would give them the confidence they can make this a season to remember.
Gabriel Martinelli
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Arsenal will play Man City, who they drew 1-1 with in September, at least twice again this season(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Man City (A) - April 18
You won't want to miss this game and Arsenal simply cannot lose.
The points deficit will dictate the pre-game narrative but at this moment in time, it looks as though Arsenal just need to avoid defeat.
If they can beat City, even better, but that's a tall, tall ask in a game of this magnitude given City are usually so strong at home against the Big Six.
The Gunners navigated a similar match at the Etihad Stadium back in 2024 when they travelled to City late in the season and drew 0-0.
In the end, they may just have felt like they needed to win that game upon reflection, though if they travel to Manchester ahead of their rivals in the table, a draw will surely do.
Man City
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Man City are attempting to hunt Arsenal down
Newcastle (H) - April 25
Newcastle are one of Arsenal's stronger opponents between now and the end of the season, though the Magpies have had a notably poor season.
Arsenal will fancy their chances of edging Eddie Howe's side but it's the kind of fixture where the Gunners could easily slip up if they're not on their A Game.
They had to work hard for victory at St James' Park earlier in the season and Newcastle have plenty to play for as they seek to get themselves up the table.
If Arsenal apply themselves correctly, they have the quality and know-how to avoid a potential slip up but it's a game they must approach with caution.
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