Man City defeat was a 'reset moment' for Arsenal, says Arteta

Mikel Arteta revealed Arsenal used their defeat to Premier League title rivals Manchester City as a "reset moment" ahead of the run-in.

The Gunners lost 2-1 to City in April, a result which allowed Pep Guardiola's side to move to the top of the table on goal difference.

However, Arsenal are now back ahead in the title race after City drew with Everton earlier this month, and are just two games away from ending their 24-year wait for a Premier League title.

The Opta supercomputer has given Arsenal an 86.5% chance of lifting the trophy this season, compared to City's probability of 13.5%.

Arteta believes Arsenal's loss to City was the fuel they needed to keep fighting during the run-in.

"It was a reset moment," said the Spaniard. "The performance was there and I think we deserved much more when we got out of the game.

"But we used that as fuel to be even more convinced and to understand that what we've done up to now is fine.

"Let's learn every bit of it and now let's use it for the last five games. That's what remains and we have every chance to go and do it."

Arsenal face Burnley on Monday; the Gunners have won all 10 of their Premier League games against sides already relegated that season, the best 100% record in the competition.

However, following City's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, goal difference could still play a part in the title race.

Arsenal have won 16 games with a clean sheet in the Premier League this season, only doing so more in 2023-24 (17), though seven of those wins have been 1-0, with the Gunners last winning more by that scoreline in 1998-99 (nine).

"First of all, you have to earn the right to win the game," Arteta added.

"Obviously, you can make a difference with more goals, that’s obviously even better. But we’re all playing very tough matches.

"We had a tough match against West Ham and we managed to win it. It was a great feeling, but we know ideally that scoring goals is going to be important."