Jamie Carragher looks to have changed his Premier League prediction after Arsenal's latest setback at West Ham.
The Gunners have gradually seen their lead at the top whittle away in recent weeks and two more points were dropped after they surrendered a 2-0 lead at the London Stadium with Bukayo Saka also missing a penalty. It comes just seven days after they'd also let a two-goal lead slip at Liverpool.
Meanwhile Manchester City appear to have hit top gear having registered their sixth league win on the bounce against Leicester on Saturday. They're scoring goals for fun with the treble very much in their sights. Arsenal's slip up means Pep Guardiola's men are just four points behind with a game in hand and Carragher believes the tide may have turned.
He said after their stalemate against the Hammers: "They’ve still got the lead in the title race but to drop four points at this late stage, it feels to me like it will really cost them."
It comes two months after the Sky Sports pundit had suggested Arsenal were his tip, following a weekend that saw both the title rivals lose. Carragher felt City were struggling to hit their straps citing it "wasn't the team of old" that had won four of the past five league titles.
He said: "I do think Arsenal have the edge, because they’ve been the most impressive team so far. We’re still waiting to see the real Man City but it’s not quite happening for them. The two games between those teams are massive but I fancy Arsenal right now."
Since that weekend the Gunners have drawn on three occasions whilst also losing to City. Mikel Arteta's side will soon head to the Etihad in a game that could well decide the destination of the Premier League trophy. They are not preparing for the contest in the best possible fashion with Arteta bemoaning their shortcomings against West Ham.
He said: "Very disappointing. The way we started was superb again, we were in total control, then we lost purpose. We gave them hope, conceded a terrible penalty, then credit to them. We got on the roller coaster where everything is going, corners and throw ins, and we never got away from that. The purpose we needed for third and fourth goal, I didn't see it."
Skipper Martin Odegaard added: "We have to remember we are still top of the league with everything in our own hands. The same mindset, same mentality to make sure we win the next one."
