Why Arsenal Are Feeling the Heat – Four-Point Cushion, Dropped Points, and Ghosts of Past Collapses

The title race tightens, Arsenal feel the heat with Manchester City in relentless pursuit

The pressure is on at Arsenal: Once nine points clear, now just four ahead of relentless Manchester City. Slump in form, injury crisis, and fear of another late collapse threaten their long-awaited Premier League title dream.

From commanding leaders to mounting pressure...

As of mid-February 2026, Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table with 57 points from 26 matches, boasting a +32 goal difference. Yet, the Gunners face mounting pressure in their bid for a first league title since 2003/04.

A once-commanding lead has narrowed to just four points over Manchester City, who sit second on 53 points and are in strong form. Recent dropped points, combined with historical baggage and fixture challenges, have intensified scrutiny on Mikel Arteta's side as the season enters its decisive phase.

Arsenal Under Pressure: Navigating the Premier League Title Race Storm in February 2026

In the relentless arena of the Premier League, few clubs embody the highs and lows of ambition quite like Arsenal. As of mid-February 2026, Mikel Arteta's side finds itself atop the table but under immense scrutiny. What was once a commanding nine-point lead has dwindled to just four, with defending champions Manchester City breathing down their necks. 

Recent stumbles, mounting injuries, and the ghosts of past near-misses have amplified the pressure cooker atmosphere at the Emirates. This article explores the multifaceted reasons behind Arsenal's current predicament, dissecting the tactical, physical, and psychological challenges threatening to derail their title aspirations.

The Narrowing Title Gap: Manchester City's Relentless Pursuit

Arsenal's lead at the summit of the Premier League has been significantly eroded in recent weeks, intensifying the battle for the crown. What began as a nine-point advantage following a convincing 3-0 win over Sunderland on February 7 has shrunk to four points after Manchester City's consistent results and Arsenal's own slip-ups. Erling Haaland, has publicly stated his belief that Pep Guardiola's team can overtake the Gunners, adding fuel to the fire.

This convergence has placed Arsenal in a vulnerable position, where every match feels like a must-win. The psychological toll is evident: fans and pundits alike are drawing parallels to previous seasons where Arsenal faltered in the home stretch. 

Manchester City's ability to perform under pressure winning games even when not at their best contrasts sharply with Arsenal's recent inconsistencies, making the Etihad outfit the hunters in a race that Arsenal once seemed to control.

Recent Form Slump: Dropped Points and Unconvincing Performances

Arsenal's momentum has stalled dramatically, with a three-match winless run in the league highlighting deeper issues. A damaging 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United, followed by goalless draws against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, and most recently a 1-1 stalemate at Brentford on February 12, have exposed vulnerabilities. In the Brentford game, Arsenal struggled to create clear chances, relying on a late equalizer while appearing to hang on rather than push for victory 

A recurring pattern has emerged: Arsenal's difficulty in responding to Manchester City's results. Often playing after City, the Gunners have failed to capitalize, dropping points in four of their last six post-City fixtures since the turn of the year. This has led to questions about their mental resilience under spotlight pressure. Mikel Arteta has acknowledged the need for consistency, but the team's inability to break down deep-defending opponents like Brentford's chaotic style has compounded the frustration.

Injury Crisis: Key Absences Hampering Squad Depth

Injuries have ravaged Arsenal's squad at a critical juncture, depleting their options and forcing tactical compromises. Kai Havertz, a versatile forward, is sidelined for three to four weeks with a muscular injury, potentially missing key clashes including the north London derby against Tottenham, and games against Wolves, Chelsea, and Brighton. Midfielder Mikel Merino is out long-term, while stars like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard underwent late fitness tests before the Brentford draw, with Havertz ruled out entirely.

This lack of depth has stifled creativity, as seen in the Brentford match where Arsenal's attack looked alarmingly blunt without their key playmakers. Viktor Gyokeres, the summer signing, endured a six-game scoreless streak before netting twice against Sunderland, but the pressure on him to deliver consistently has mounted amid the absences.dfeec8 Arteta's reliance on a core group has exposed the squad's fragility, turning what should be a strength talent across the board into a liability under the weight of a congested fixture list.

Psychological Barriers: Shadows of Past Title Heartbreaks

Arsenal's history of near-misses is casting a long shadow, with the club finishing as runners-up in the last three seasons fueling doubts about their ability to close out a title. The unbeaten 'Invincibles' campaign of 2003/04 remains a benchmark, but recent failures have created a narrative of bottling under pressure. Pundits like Roy Keane have urged the team to keep their heads high, but fan anxiety is palpable, with social media buzzing about jittery performances.

Arteta has emphasized psychological management, noting the players' competitiveness and the need to handle expectations. However, errors like Martin Zubimendi's back pass gifting Brentford an equalizer suggest tension is creeping in. This mental hurdle is exacerbated by the fear of repeating history, where leads evaporate in the decisive months, turning potential glory into familiar disappointment.

The title race took another dramatic turn at the Gtech! 👀🏆

What we learned from @BrentfordFC 1-1 @Arsenal 👇

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 13, 2026

Tactical Challenges: Adapting to Defensive Opponents

Opponents' deep defensive setups are frustrating Arsenal's attacking flair, forcing a reliance on long-range efforts and set pieces. Arteta has highlighted the need for alternative scoring methods against packed boxes, as seen in games like the Sunderland win where Zubimendi's strike from distance broke the deadlock. Yet, this adaptation hasn't been seamless, with creativity waning in recent outings.

The Gunners' rigid approach sometimes lacks innovation, craving control over freedom, which can stifle spontaneity under pressure. Rivals arrive “terrified” and camped deep, turning matches into attritional battles that Arsenal struggles to dominate. This tactical impasse, combined with the high-stakes environment, has led to accusations of “boring” games, but the root lies in opponents' respect and fear of Arsenal's potential.

Fan and Media Scrutiny: Amplifying the Spotlight

The Emirates faithful and broader media landscape are adding layers of expectation, with calls for unwavering support clashing against growing frustration. Fans are urged to rally as the “12th man,” providing energy during tough times, yet social media reflects jitteriness and debates over whether Arsenal's pressure exceeds even Manchester United's rebuild woes.

Punditry, including from outlets like Sky Sports and The Athletic, dissects every misstep, questioning if past failures are influencing current form. This external noise can infiltrate the dressing room, heightening the sense of urgency and making routine fixtures feel like finals.

Upcoming Fixtures: Tests That Could Define the Season

Looking ahead, Arsenal faces a daunting schedule that will test their mettle. A midweek clash with Wolves, followed by the north London derby against a revitalized Tottenham under new interim boss Igor Tudor, looms large. Subsequent games against Chelsea and Brighton offer no respite, especially with injuries lingering.

Success in these encounters could restore confidence and widen the gap, but further stumbles might invite City to pounce. The FA Cup and Champions League commitments add to the fixture pile-up, demanding rotation and resilience in a multi-front campaign.

26/38 pic.twitter.com/RmhurX0ZHX

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 13, 2026

Can Arsenal Weather the Storm and Emerge Victorious?

Arsenal's current pressure stems from a perfect storm of a tightening title race, form dips, injuries, historical baggage, tactical hurdles, and external expectations. Yet, as Arteta insists, their nine-point lead earlier meant “nothing” without sustained excellence. The Gunners have shown flashes of brilliance topping their Champions League group and reaching the League Cup final proving they can compete at the highest level.

Read Also: Arteta Wonders if Injuries Will Hurt Arsenal's Quadruple Bid

The key lies in learning to thrive under scrutiny, as emphasized by analysts. With fan support and tactical tweaks, Arsenal could convert this pressure into motivation, finally shedding the runners-up tag. If not, the familiar narrative of promise unfulfilled may repeat, leaving supporters to ponder what might have been in yet another agonizing season.