Arsenal's Title Wobble: Can They Bounce Back?

Mikel Arteta face tough test at Spurs as Man City closes in

Arsenal visits Tottenham as Manchester City closes in on the Premier League title. Can the Gunners bounce back from recent slump?

“I believe the next few years are going to be the years that we get over the line...”

Mikel Arteta Arsenal's got a tough one ahead, heading to Tottenham for the North London derby. They're looking to bounce back from their recent wobble, a 2-2 draw against Wolves, and stay top of the Premier League table. Meanwhile, Manchester City can pile on the pressure with a win against Newcastle.

Tottenham's new manager, Igor Tudor, is looking for a strong start, especially with his team sitting just five points above the relegation zone. The Opta supercomputer gives Arsenal a 60.1% chance of winning, while Spurs only have a 19.3% chance.

As for Manchester United, Michael Carrick's heading to Everton, hoping to boost his chances of becoming the permanent manager. The stakes are high for all teams involved.

Saka: Arsenal Will Hit Back From Slump 

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka insists his team will bounce back from their current slump and end their trophy drought, despite recent draws against Brentford and Wolves leaving them with just two wins in seven league matches.

Arsenal's dropped points in back-to-back games, blowing leads against Brentford and Wolves, with the 2-2 draw at Wolves particularly frustrating – they were 2-0 up before conceding late.

Arsenal are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola's team have a game in hand and will host the leaders in April.

Arsenal's past struggles against Manchester City have raised doubts about their title credentials, with questions swirling about their ability to handle pressure. The north Londoners haven't won a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, adding to the scrutiny.

Mikel provides an update on Havertz, Odegaard and Trossard's availability 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 20, 2026

Bukayo Saka is determined to lead Arsenal to victory against arch-rivals Tottenham on Sunday, silencing doubters and getting the Gunners back on track in the Premier League title race. After dropping points against Wolves, Arsenal needs a win to stay ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

“I believe the next few years are going to be the years that we get over the line, and we're able to win trophies and make history for this club,” Saka said.

“We're back where we belong, fighting for everything.”

Man City Smells Blood 

Tijjani Reijnders warns Arsenal that Manchester City's on the hunt after recent wins over Liverpool and Fulham, putting pressure on the Gunners' wobble.

“The mood's been good, but it was also good before. Of course, we've dropped some points as well but it's good and we are on the hunt and we keep going,” Reijnders said.

“We have to see of course, but if we keep going like this, who knows?”

Carrick's Winning Streak

Wayne Rooney thinks Michael Carrick has a good shot at becoming Manchester United's permanent manager. Carrick took over as interim manager after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January, and he's been doing a solid job so far.

Carrick's got the support of Rooney, and it's looking like the players are backing him too. He's emphasizing the club's values and promoting equality, diversity, and respect, which is a big win for the team. With Mason Mount getting closer to a return from injury, United's looking strong for their next match against Everton.

Michael Carrick's had a fantastic start as interim Manchester United manager, beating Man City 2-0 and Arsenal 3-2. Four wins and a draw in five games have lifted United to fourth place, and they're looking strong heading into Monday's match against Everton.

Rooney Backs Carrick to Stabilize United 

Wayne Rooney thinks Michael Carrick could be the man to turn Manchester United around – the club's been struggling since their 2013 title win. Rooney's got faith in his former teammate, and United's current form suggests they're on the up 

“We've been there and tried different managers - (Jose) Mourinho, (Louis) van Gaal, (Erik) ten Hag and (Ruben) Amorim - and for me Carrick makes sense,“ Rooney told The Overlap.

“Having someone there who knows the club and cares for the club makes a big difference. Michael is managing the whole squad and managing them well.”