Arsenal close in on Premier League title with three wins required against Burnley
Following a pivotal defeat to City, the Gunners have tightened their defence and improved attacking output, positioning themselves on the brink of the 2025-26 championship.
Arsenal face Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night with three consecutive victories required to secure the 2025-26 Premier League title. Manager Mikel Arteta has framed the club’s recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester City as a catalyst for renewed focus, describing the loss as a "reset moment" that has galvanised the squad. The team currently sits three points clear of their rivals, who have played one game fewer, marking a critical juncture in the title race.
The shift in momentum follows a period of intense scrutiny. Prior to the fixture at the Etihad Stadium, Arsenal had suffered four defeats in six games, a stark contrast to their earlier season form. However, the response has been marked by improved defensive solidity. In the five matches following the loss to City, the team has conceded only one goal, a penalty awarded against Ben White during the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
Arteta has highlighted the strategic impact of personnel adjustments, particularly the integration of Myles Lewis-Skelly into midfield, which he characterised as a triumph. These tactical shifts have coincided with a positive trajectory in attacking metrics. Over a five-game rolling average, Arsenal’s expected goals (xG) have trended upward while xG allowed has decreased. The club currently holds a non-penalty xG advantage of 7.18 to 4.94 against their opponents in this period.
Goalkeeper David Raya has been instrumental in stabilising the defence, a role Arteta noted was a target for the club since the summer of 2020 following Emiliano Martinez’s departure. The manager praised Raya’s work ethic and the support of the goalkeeping staff, noting that the keeper’s recent saves have become essential viewing. Arteta emphasised that the collective effort of the defensive unit, including Gabriel and William Saliba, has been crucial in maintaining field control, with Arsenal recording 23 possession gains in the final third compared to 11 allowed.
The atmosphere at the Emirates has also evolved, with supporters displaying increased optimism. This was evident in the "sea of red smoke" that filled the stadium during the win over Atletico Madrid, a stark contrast to the tension witnessed during a recent loss to Bournemouth. Arteta described the stadium as the "12th man," noting that the energy and passion provided by the fans have been infinite in value. With Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard finding form, and Bukayo Saka returning to fitness, the squad is prepared to capitalise on their home advantage against Burnley.
