Arsenal are walking a tightrope at the top of the league: clearly the best side over 25–26 games, but one bad month from being swallowed by Manchester City and the pressure. ��Where Arsenal Stand Right NowArsenal sit first in the Premier League with a strong goal difference and only a small points cushion over Manchester City. ��The Brentford draw was a punch to the gut, cutting the gap to four points and feeding doubts about whether they can finish the job. ��Data models still have Arsenal as favourites to win the title, expecting them to extend their lead again if they manage the next run of fixtures well. �What They’re LackingKiller instinct in control games: Matches like Brentford away show a recurring problem: Arsenal dominate phases, but don’t turn control into a ruthless “game over” 2–0 or 3–0 scoreline, leaving room for late punches. ��Bench reliability under injuries: At the same time, they are missing or managing issues for Saka, Ødegaard, Trossard, Merino, Havertz and Saliba, which exposes the drop in quality and rhythm when the first XI is disrupted. ���Composure when the lead shrinks: When the table tightens, you see more nervous spells and rushed decisions in the final third instead of cold, patient chance creation. ��What Arsenal Must Do To Win The LeagueTurn “events” into “routine wins”: Title winners make nights like Brentford boring; go 1–0 up, slow the game, kill transitions, and walk off with three points instead of chaos and dropped points. ��Protect the spine under rotation: With Merino out long term and Havertz, Ødegaard, Saka, and Saliba all managing issues, Arteta needs a stable core (keeper, centre-backs, Rice plus one, main striker) and simple roles for deputies rather than overcomplicated tweaks. ����Manage February–April like a marathon: This period, with league games, FA Cup and Europe, is where City usually apply suffocating pressure; Arsenal must rotate smartly against weaker sides and arrive fresh for the big six-pointers in April. ��Key focus areasSet-piece ruthlessness: They already score from dead balls, but in tight away games one more corner goal often decides the title race margins. �Game management after scoring: Slow the tempo, use fouls tactically, keep the ball in the opponent’s half, and avoid the open, end-to-end basketball that cost them points before international breaks. ��The Injury Storm They Must SurviveArsenal are currently juggling problems for Merino (stress fracture, out until late season), Havertz (muscular, out into March), Saka, Ødegaard, Trossard (all being managed), and Saliba (illness). ���This is exactly the kind of injury list that usually kills a title charge, so squad players and tactical flexibility become as important as stars. ���One Captivating PictureRight now Arsenal are the team leading the hunt but running with a pack of wolves just behind them. �� If they can stay cold in the chaotic games, ride out the injuries, and turn drama into dull, efficient wins, this season finally ends with the captain lifting the trophy at the Emirates instead of watching City celebrate again.