The familiar shadow of the “end-of-season slump” has returned to North London. Following a tense 1-1 draw at Brentford on Thursday, February 12, the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is no longer a whisper—it’s a roar.
While the Gunners remain in a commanding position at the summit of the Premier League, the gap to Manchester City has narrowed at the most critical juncture of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Current Standings: A Four-Point Cushion
Despite the frustration at the Gtech Community Stadium, Arsenal’s season statistics remain the envy of the league:
- Position: 1st
- Points: 57 (from 26 games)
- Lead: 4 points over Manchester City (53 points)
- Goal Difference: +32 (Arsenal) vs +30 (Man City)
A victory against the Bees would have put Arteta’s men six points clear, potentially extending to nine before Pep Guardiola’s side next takes the pitch. Instead, the draw gives City a psychological boost as they prepare for their home clash against Fulham.
Historical Hauntings: The “Final 12” Curse
With exactly 12 games remaining, history remains the biggest obstacle for the Gunners. Arsenal have finished as runners-up for three consecutive seasons, and their historical data for the final third of the season is concerning:
- Winning Consistency: In the past five seasons, Arsenal has only managed to win 10 of their final 12 matches on one occasion.
- Point Accumulation: Statistics show that the Gunners have never outperformed the eventual title winners in total points collected during the final 12-game stretch.
- Defensive Record: While they currently boast the league’s best defense (only 18 goals conceded in 26 games), the loss of composure late in the Brentford game—allowing Keane Lewis-Potter to equalize in the 71st minute—suggests cracks may be forming.
Key Fixtures: The Road to the Title
The next seven days are season-defining for Arsenal. They face a rescheduled away trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers next Wednesday, followed by a high-stakes North London Derby against Tottenham.
“We have to do our job,” Arteta said after the Brentford draw. “You have to be at your best every single week in this league. We lacked a little composure tonight, but we stay focused on Wolves.”
The ultimate showdown looms on April 18, when Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium for a head-to-head clash with Manchester City that many believe will decide the destination of the trophy.
