Ian Wright has insisted Arsenal will learn from their mistakes in the future after their 4-1 defeat to Man City which looks set to prove vital in the Premier League title race. Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and John Stones were all on target for the dominant reigning champions with Rob Holding's late strike merely a consolation.
Heading into the decisive clash, the Gunners sat top of the league with five points between themselves and City. Although that gap appears healthy, it could have been far more for Mikel Arteta and his players had they not dropped six points in their last three games.
City's victory, which was a dominant one at that, places the title incentive firmly back into the hands of Pep Guardiola's side with two points now separating the two teams. Although Arsenal remain top, City have two games in hand where maximum points would take them four clear of Arsenal.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on title race, Odegaard's verdict and Man City loss
In fact, the London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal being moved to next Wednesday means that City can go top for the first time in over two months if they beat Fulham this weekend. Twelve wins from their last 14 in all competitions makes it highly unlikely City will drop points in the run-in, however their Champions League participation could hand Arsenal a boost.
In between their semi-final tie against Real Madrid, City take on Everton at Goodison Park, which is where one of Arsenal's four losses this campaign took place. However, the Gunners must still travel to St James' Park for a clash with Newcastle and face European-chasing Brighton, while City's final few games, at least on paper, appear far easier.
Likely with full knowledge of that, Wright delivered his latest verdict on the title race. His usual upbeat attitude and positive manner was not on display though, as the former Arsenal striker's words seemed to hint he is writing off this season with a clear message to the Gunners' young squad for the 2023/24 campaign.
On BBC Match of the Day, he said; "It's tough. The reason is, when you look at Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton, you needed six points out of that at least so you could get into this game.
"That's what it is and they'll learn. We're talking about a team, that they learned a lot. For me, they've put on a season where they learned a lot from last season. So onwards and upwards."
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta admits agonising over Rob Holding decision but vows Arsenal will keep fighting
Arsenal player ratings vs Man City as Holding awful Ramsdale spares blushes, Nelson shows fight
What Partey did to Holding as Xhaka shouts at Ramsdale in Arsenal moments missed vs Man City
Man City vs Arsenal highlights: Haaland, De Bruyne and Stones score in 4-1 title-chasing win
Why Ruben Dias wasn't shown VAR red card during Man City vs Arsenal despite Ben White