Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the Premier League title race remains a “marathon” and brushed any talk of psychological damage after Wednesday’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City saw them drop to second.
City claimed top spot, albeit having played one game more than the Gunners who have led for most of the season, with the victory at Emirates Stadium.
Kevin De Bruyne swooped on a Takehiro Tomiyasu error to put City ahead in the 24th minute but Arsenal won a penalty for a late Ederson challenge on Eddie Nketiah, which Bakayo Saka converted prior to half-time.
City responded with second-half goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland to secure a crucial three points in the title race.
The English champions edged ahead of Arsenal on the table on goal difference, with both sides locked on 51 points.
“Psychologically there is a marathon still, so psychologically there is very far to go,” Arteta told reporters.
“I said it at the start, I said it three months ago and I say it today, its about tomorrow and the most important thing is how we are tomorrow and focus on that, because the rest of the things, we dont know whats going to happen.”
Arteta’s City counterpart Pep Guardiola echoed his sentiments despite the Mancunians seeming to seize the momentum in the title race, with the Gunners having collected one point from their past three games.
“Its a long road. There are plenty more games to play,” Guardiola said. “Coming here and winning against that team, second half we were much, much better. The second half was excellent.
“Still they have one game left so I consider they are top of the league. Still many games to play. Many games.
“It is difficult for everyone but what is important is we come here, few weeks ago maybe eight, nine points behind, losing here would be almost over.
“And now for the fact they dropped points, we come here for the chance to be close. We won the game and yes we are there.
“Many games to play. The important thing is this victory against this team in this stadium.”
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