Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad appeared to be a major setback for Arsenal, especially after previous collapses. The defeat instead seemed to spur Arsenal, with the belief that City over-celebrated the result. Arsenal’s confidence grew, reflected in Declan Rice’s “this is not over” message. Arsenal ultimately won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years. City’s title challenge weakened after a crucial win, followed by a 3-3 draw at Everton where they conceded three goals in a 13-minute spell and then needed two late goals to salvage a point. In the run-in, that draw proved as damaging as a defeat.
"If there were obviously some key victories over the course of the season, this was an influential defeat. The worst had happened in losing 2-1 but it hadn't happened in the worst way. There was even a sense that City had celebrated that victory too much. Arsenal felt emboldened, and encouraged. Declan Rice's line, this is not over', was not well just a line."
"Pep Guardiola's side got that crucial win over their rivals but quickly handed momentum back to Mikel Arteta's men with a crazy 3-3 draw away to Everton. City had taken the lead in that game, but then conceded three goals in a 13-minute spell in the second half to find themselves trailing. They hit back with two late goals of their own to come away with a draw, but when it comes to the run-in, a draw is often about as useful as a defeat."
"For all the talk of Arsenal being bottlers, they're now finally champions of England again after a 22-year wait, and, in fact, it looks now like it was City who messed up the league from a strong position."
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