Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in the Premier League title race as rivals Manchester City lost 2-1 to Manchester United in the Manchester derby. The match played out a tense first-half with few chances between both sides, but it was the away side that took the lead through a Jack Grealish header.
While it appeared as though he city would be painted sky blue, there was a twist in the tale late in the game that would cause plenty of smiles for more than one side in red. Bruno Fernandes equalised as he latched onto a through-ball, though there was plenty of controversy over the fashion of it due to Marcus Rashford's involvement from an offside position.
The England international was involved yet again as Alejandro Garnacho found him from point-blank range to apply the finish. It means United move just one point behind their rivals, bringing forward the question of whether they're involved in the title race for the rest of the season.
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As for City, they remain five points behind Arsenal in first, with the north London outfit having an extra game in hand to extend their gap at the top. However, that clash is the derby day tie with Tottenham on Sunday and as today's own match showed, the result can swing any way.
Mikel Arteta seems up for the fight too, telling reporters before the game: "I just love it. That’s why we’re here to play these games. It’s one of the biggest games of the season for us. We know how much it means for us on the table and how much it means for our people as well. But we’re gonna have to focus on playing well and doing what we have to do to win the game."
It remains to be seen how the game will go for Arsenal against Spurs, however it may be viewed as more of a free shot at extending their lead rather than responding to their rivals.
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