X reacts to surprise title race drama as Arsenal and Man City struggle to victory

X reacts to surprise title race drama as Arsenal and Man City struggle to victory

Arsenal and Manchester City were made to sweat on Saturday afternoon despite both securing victory to keep pace with Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League.

Last season’s top two both fell behind in favourable home fixtures in the 15:00 BST kick-off slot, having been put under further pressure following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace earlier in the day.

Arsenal secured a 3-1 win over newly-promoted Southampton to rival their scare against Leicester City last weekend, while Man City could only manage a 3-2 victory over plucky Fulham as Erling Haaland drew another blank.

There was little to write home about during a frustrating first half for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium but the same couldn’t be said of the opening 45 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.

Through former Manchester United midfielder Andras Pereira, Fulham snuck a surprise lead halfway through the first half. But it was Raul Jimenez’s pass that deserved the celebrations.

Andreas Pereira really hit the Ronaldo at the Etihad 💀 pic.twitter.com/WDcinfZ8AW

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 5, 2024

However, within two minutes of the second half, Man City had done what Man City do.

Mateo Kovacic’s deflected strike brought the hosts level and the Croatian produced a rare brace after the restart to turn the game on its head – all while the score was still goalless at the Emirates.

— Jacky (@MCFC_Jacky) October 5, 2024

Thank you Chelsea for Mateo Kovacic. What a baller pic.twitter.com/dRtYihkkYz

— 17 (@DxBruyneSZN) October 5, 2024

Those inside the Emirates may not have been aware of City’s turnaround but they were certainly aware their side was trailing.

Ten minutes after the break, Southampton took the lead with one of their first forays into Arsenal territory, Cameron Archer tucking home with aplomb following a swift counter-attack.

Saliba using his aura to stop that Archer goal pic.twitter.com/02WV3eqEWc

— ~ (@TheLfcKop) October 5, 2024

Cameron Archer’s first @premierleague goal for #SaintsFC 🏹 pic.twitter.com/TGr9hFnp1m

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) October 5, 2024

Could Southampton hold on for a first win of the Premier League season? At Arsenal of all places?

No. No they couldn’t.

Within three minutes the Gunners were level and it was the now ruthless finishing of Kai Havertz that got them their equaliser.

Kai Havertz has scored in all six of Arsenal’s games at the Emirates this season 🎵 pic.twitter.com/a1zVdNCmpb

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 5, 2024

Keep Havertz up front forever as the main man. Invest in midfield and winger reinforcements next summer. Incredible player

— Flappyhandski (@Faaabianskiii) October 5, 2024

Southampton’s hopes of at least earning an invaluable point were dashed before the 70-minute mark and it was substitute Gabriel Martinelli who raised the roof in north London after turning home Bukayo Saka’s cross.

Saka assist, Martinelli goal. I’ve missed it. pic.twitter.com/nc9PNxcBbF

— Bhavs (@bhavss14) October 5, 2024

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) October 5, 2024

Two assists evidently didn’t satisfy Saka, though. The winger decided to get in on the action himself, capitalising on a Southampton mistake to secure a nervy victory over the surprisingly resilient Saints.

Foden watching Palmer & Saka this season pic.twitter.com/BJH9yN1Cjz

— Trey (@UTDTrey) October 5, 2024

Arsenal just likes going through the hard way to win games

— mrerickcarter (@ErekataE) October 5, 2024

Over at the Etihad, Man City appeared to be strolling to victory after Jeremy Doku added a third, but Rodrigo Muniz set the match up for a nervy finish with his 88th minute strike.

Fortunately for Pep Guardiola’s side, they would just about bring their two-game winless run in the Premier League to an end.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 5, 2024

Man City (1.58) 3-2 (2.36) Fulham

— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) October 5, 2024

City sitting in a low block against Fulham pic.twitter.com/95ba0cjn2i

— 🇪🇷🕊️ (@BetterCallAlba) October 5, 2024

While Arsenal and Man City managed to avoid dropping points in the fight for the title, it’s worth mentioning that neither side are top heading into the October international break.

And Liverpool fans were sure to remind them.

LIBPOOL, TOP OF THE LEAGUE 🎶 pic.twitter.com/6qRgLLQBl4

— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) October 5, 2024

It’s international break now but Liverpool will go into it top of the league pic.twitter.com/xaMjbTLFdF

— Vision🧃 (@Lfc__vision) October 5, 2024

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