Down the wire: EPL title race turns on its head as Arsenal's lead evaporates

Just a week ago, Arsenal were nine points clear of Manchester City and seemingly cruising on the "fast lane" toward their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Today, after a huge derby and Arsenal's defeat at the Etihad, the gap has been cut down to just three points. City also have a game in hand, giving them the chance to draw level with the leaders ahead of the final round of the season. All of this, of course, assumes both sides win all their remaining matches before the decisive day on May 24.

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In short, everything has turned completely on its head. An interesting comparison appeared in the British media immediately after Anthony Taylor blew the final whistle, referring to what one of the supercomputers had "predicted."

As recently as a month ago, the title probabilities looked like this: Arsenal 91%, Manchester City 9%. Today, the picture is very different: Arsenal 44%, Manchester City 56%.

Of course, none of this guarantees anything - just as it didn't mean much a month ago - but there is no doubt that psychological momentum and confidence have clearly shifted sides.

City's first chance to pile even more pressure on the Gunners comes in just three days, when they travel to Burnley. A win there would take them to the top of the table, thanks to a superior goal difference.

But who has the harder run-in?

That's not an easy question to answer. Indeed, Mikel Arteta's side will not leave London, but that doesn't necessarily make things easier. West Ham, fighting for survival, are always tricky opponents, and Selhurst Park has often been a difficult place for Arsenal in recent years. Newcastle at home in six days could also prove a serious test, especially with the emotional impact of today’s defeat still lingering.

Another major complication for Arsenal is their Champions League semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid, scheduled for April 29 and May 5.

As for City's "traps," the standout fixture is undoubtedly Crystal Palace on May 22, just two days before the final round and a home match against Aston Villa. That rescheduled game is also what currently gives their title rivals an extra match played.

City will also need to be fully focused against Everton, Bournemouth, and Brentford - teams that still have European ambitions and plenty to fight for.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 33

Saturday

Brentford - Fulham 0-0

Leeds - Wolverhampton 3-0 (2-0)

/Justin 18, Okafor 20, Calvert-Lewin 90+5 pen/

Newcastle - Bournemouth 1-2 (0-1)

/Osula 68 - Tavernier 32, Truffert 85/

Tottenham - Brighton 2-2 (1-1)

/Porro 38, Simons 77 - Mitoma 45+3, Rutter 90+5/

Chelsea - Manchester United 0-1 (0-1)

/Cunha 43/

Sunday

Aston Villa - Sunderland 4-3 (2-1)

/Watkins 2, 36, Rogers 46, Abraham 90+3 - Rigg 9, Hume 86, Isidor 87/

Everton - Liverpool 1-2 (0-1)

/Beto 54 - Salah 29, Van Dijk 90+10/

Nottingham Forest - Burnley 4-1 (0-1)

/Gibbs-White 62, 69, 77, Jesus 90+8 - Flemming 45+2/

Manchester City - Arsenal 2-1 (1-1)

/Cherki 16, Haaland 65 - Havertz 18/

Monday

22.00: (2.40) Crystal Palace (3.35) West Ham (2.95)

***odds are subject to change***