Arsenal's Premier League title destiny is no longer in their own hands after the Gunners were beaten 4-1 by Manchester City. The gap between the two rivals is now down to just two points with Pep Guardiola's men having two games in hand over the league leaders where victories in both could give the reigning champions a four-point buffer at the summit.
From start to finish of the Etihad Stadium clash, Arsenal were suffocated by City both in and out of possession. Kevin de Bruyne, who netted a superb brace along with assisting John Stones, was at his very best with Erling Haaland also matching the Belgian's goal contributions.
Despite City now being in control of the title battle, Arsenal could still pull off an unthinkable triumph at the end of May if City slip up during their run-in. There is some hope, albeit it minimal, of that happening as a Champions League semi-final awaits City against holders Real Madrid with Guardiola determined to win the trophy he is yet to secure in Manchester.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on title race, Odegaard's verdict and Man City loss
However, league action is the immediate focus for both. With that said, football.london has taken a look at the Gunners' next five fixtures compared to title rivals City.
Chelsea (H) - Tuesday, May 2
Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from a run of four games without a win against their London rivals Chelsea who could be the perfect opponent to end that record. The Blues have lost six of their last seven games in all competitions despite appointing Frank Lampard on an interim basis.
The west Londoners sit in 11th with any hopes of qualifying for Europe slowly dissipating with the home defeat to Brentford the latest major blow in their dismal 2022/23 season.
Newcastle (A) - Sunday, May 7
Arsenal's visit to St James Park will be be pivotal. Last season, the Gunners crumbled up north and that defeat saw their top four hopes end.
The Magpies, who are chasing a Champions League qualification spot, demolished Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham this past weekend and if Mikel Arteta's men aren't at the top of their game, the same could occur to the current league leaders.
Brighton (H) - Sunday, May 14
The massive tests do not stop for Arteta and his players as another clash against a European-chasing team comes with just weeks left of the season. Under Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton have continued their push for a top-six spot and following the midweek results, sit eighth.
One of Man City's potentially decisive games in hand comes against the Seagulls. Therefore, with both title rivals to play, Brighton could ultimately end up as kingmakers in deciding where silverware goes come May.
Nottingham Forest (A) - Saturday, May 20
Arsenal's tough run of four fixtures will come to an end towards the end of May with a trip to Nottingham Forest. The Reds are battling to avoid relegation but their 3-1 win over Brighton took them out of the bottom three.
Before they welcome Arsenal to the City Ground, Steve Cooper's men must battle Liverpool and Chelsea. By the time the clash comes round, the outcome of both teams' season could have already been decided.
Wolves (H) - Sunday, May 27
The final game of Arsenal's 2022/23 season comes at the Emirates Stadium against Wolves. This clash could mark a key moment in Gunners history. However after Man City's win, if maximum points have been achieved by both teams in the fixtures between, City will have already won the league.
Regarding their final day opponents, the arrival of Julen Lopetegui has significantly helped the West Midlands team who now look set to avoid the drop with eight points between themselves and the relegation zone.
Manchester City's next five fixtures:
Fulham (A) - April 30
West Ham (H) - May 3
Leeds United (H) - May 6
Everton (A) - May 14
Chelsea (H) - May 21
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