Legendary ex-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger picks out result that could cost the Gunners the Premier League title… and it’s NOT their home defeat by Aston Villa

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes one result could come back to haunt the Gunners this season in their pursuit of their first Premier League title in two decades.

Mikel Arteta‘s men relinquished top spot over the weekend after losing 2-0 at home to Aston Villa, with late goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins handing Arsenal their first league defeat in 2024.

Defending champions Manchester City are now in the ascendancy in the title race having moved two points clear of Arsenal and Liverpool – who were also beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The defeat by Villa was a blow for Arsenal’s title hopes, but Wenger feels their goalless draw against City last month may turn out to be more of a regret for his old club as he insists they had the opportunity to claim all three points at the Etihad.

‘The frustration was a bit on the day [they drew at City],’ he told beIN Sports. ‘You didn’t know after the game. 

Mikel Arteta’s team are no longer top of the table after losing to Aston Villa on Sunday

That was their first league defeat in 2024, but Wenger feels the draw with City could prove more costly

‘OK, it was a good point and a well-fought point because City didn’t create much.

‘I get as well the feeling that if they had pushed more, the three points were available there. You’ll know at the end of the season, usually when you play against a big opponent and you can finish him off, you want to do it.’

As Wenger alluded to, Arsenal leaving the Etihad appeared a good point for Arsenal at the time, but it now looks less important following Sunday’s result.

The Frenchman, who won three league titles and seven FA Cups during his legendary 22 years at Arsenal, admitted he did not see the setback coming, but still sees Arteta’s side as having one key advantage over City that keeps them firmly in the mix to win the league.

‘It was a complete surprise,’ Wenger said when discussing the Villa loss. ‘You know that when you play for the championship at home with eight games to go and you have the opportunity to make a difference, you have to take it.

‘The surprise of the weekend is that City have their nose in front again. Nobody expected that. Of course, one could have a bad result but not the two and that is surprising. 

‘Arsenal still have an advantage with their goal difference. So even if City have a draw and we win, we’d be in front of them.’