Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes that the north London outfit are "10 years" behind title rivals Manchester City in terms of their project. The Gunners have been leading the way in the title race for the majority of the season, but have seen their grip at the top in recent weeks.
Three consecutive draws saw their control slip into the hands of City, but a head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium handed them a chance to wrestle it back to their favour. That didn't last long in the game though as Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring just seven minutes in.
John Stones doubled the lead with a header at the back post, with De Bruyne adding a third just after half time. Rob Holding was a surprise scorer to pull one back late on, but Erling Haaland sealed the victory with a finish that ensured the gap closed to just two points at the top.
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The match displayed the gulf between Arsenal and Man City at this stage in a huge reality check to their Premier League title hopes for this season and perhaps those yet to come. Former player Keown believes that the gap in class is so large, it could take years for it to be closed.
He told BT Sport: "Of course [more was expected from Arsenal]. Honestly, it’s the acid test when you play Man City now. Haaland and De Bruyne, they're at another level now. When those big games come around the players have really performed at a higher level and the whole stadium is used to winning things here now.
"City and Arsenal, you could see a huge gap between the two clubs and Arsenal are probably about 10 years behind them. But, Arsenal are on the way back. Tonight was extremely disappointing, long balls into the Arsenal back line, that’s 11 goals conceded in the last four games and the title opportunity has slipped away because they haven’t been able to defend well enough."
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