After Arsenal dropped more points in their race with Manchester City for the Premier League title, a crucial turning point has been identified as a possible reason behind some of their recent struggles
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
13:23, 19 Feb 2026
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts following the draw in the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at Molineux on February 18, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
It has been a brutal couple of weeks for Mikel Arteta(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)
Notorious Arsenal fan Piers Morgan has suggested Manchester City's triumph over Liverpool marked a momentum shift in the Premier League title race. When the Cityzens arrived at Anfield on 8 February, defeat would have seen them fall nine points behind Mikel Arteta's squad.
Arne Slot's side even took an early lead courtesy of Dominik Szboszlai's spectacular free-kick. However, City rallied back with Bernardo Silva's header and a late penalty from Erling Haaland, securing a rare win on Liverpool's home turf.
Since then, Arsenal have drawn their last two matches against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the latter game being a significant collapse, whilst City sailed to a 3-0 victory over Fulham. If the Cityzens win their pending match, they could close the gap with Arsenal to just two points.
Against Wolves, Arteta's side appeared shaky, even when leading 2-0 against the Premier League's bottom team. A superb goal from Hugo Bueno and a last-minute own goal from Riccardo Calafiori resulted in a surprising draw for the Midlands team.
As Arsenal falter and City continue to surge, Morgan believes this dramatic change in fortunes can be traced back to the pivotal match at Anfield. Speaking on talkSPORT, Morgan said: "I feared something like this may happen when City turned that game around against Liverpool.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
"Had we been nine-points clear after that, that is clearly...you can still lose three games and win the league with a few games left, obviously you're in a better position.
"You could see in City from Guardiola to Haaland to the others, they had a surge of renewed belief. Unfortunately, I think that sent, for our team, a surge of slight apprehension.
Erling Haaland celebrating his late penalty in Manchester City's victory over Liverpool at Anfield
View 3 Images
Haaland's late penalty secured a priceless 2-1 victory for City away to Liverpool(Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
"Our record in the Premier League (ever since) has been poor, we have not won games we should have won at a canter and there is no killer instinct. I remember the Invincibles, if they went 2-0 up at half time, I can't imagine we choked a two-goal lead against anyone in the bottom half of the league.
"You have to kill off these teams when you take a two-goal lead. We were still tense because the three seasons we have choked the league and we fear its happening again.
"We have a better squad and we have leaders, Gabriel and Rice, they've got to stand up but they also need a break."
David Raya of Arsenal and Gabriel of Arsenal in the build up to Wolverhampton Wanderers second goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at Molineux on February 18, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England
View 3 Images
The confusion between Raya and Gabriel resulted in Wolves crucial equaliser(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Things could get even worse for Arsenal as they travel to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur, now under newly-appointed manager Igor Tudor, in Sunday's eagerly-anticipated north London derby.
Article continues below
Seven days later, Arsenal welcome Chelsea to the Emirates, with the Blues enjoying a strong start to life under Liam Rosenior.
During this same spell, City entertain Newcastle United on the 21st before making the journey to Elland Road to take on Leeds United on 28th February.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£49
£35
Sky
Get Sky Sports here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.