X reacts to surprise title race drama as Arsenal and Man City struggle to victory

Arsenal and Manchester City were made to sweat on Saturday afternoon despite both securing victory to keep pace with Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League.

Last season’s top two both fell behind in favourable home fixtures in the 15:00 BST kick-off slot, having been put under further pressure following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace earlier in the day.

Arsenal secured a 3-1 win over newly-promoted Southampton to rival their scare against Leicester City last weekend, while Man City could only manage a 3-2 victory over plucky Fulham as Erling Haaland drew another blank.

There was little to write home about during a frustrating first half for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium but the same couldn’t be said of the opening 45 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.

Through former Manchester United midfielder Andras Pereira, Fulham snuck a surprise lead halfway through the first half. But it was Raul Jimenez’s pass that deserved the celebrations.

However, within two minutes of the second half, Man City had done what Man City do.

Mateo Kovacic’s deflected strike brought the hosts level and the Croatian produced a rare brace after the restart to turn the game on its head – all while the score was still goalless at the Emirates.

Those inside the Emirates may not have been aware of City’s turnaround but they were certainly aware their side was trailing.

Ten minutes after the break, Southampton took the lead with one of their first forays into Arsenal territory, Cameron Archer tucking home with aplomb following a swift counter-attack.

Could Southampton hold on for a first win of the Premier League season? At Arsenal of all places?

No. No they couldn’t.

Within three minutes the Gunners were level and it was the now ruthless finishing of Kai Havertz that got them their equaliser.

Southampton’s hopes of at least earning an invaluable point were dashed before the 70-minute mark and it was substitute Gabriel Martinelli who raised the roof in north London after turning home Bukayo Saka’s cross.

Two assists evidently didn’t satisfy Saka, though. The winger decided to get in on the action himself, capitalising on a Southampton mistake to secure a nervy victory over the surprisingly resilient Saints.

Over at the Etihad, Man City appeared to be strolling to victory after Jeremy Doku added a third, but Rodrigo Muniz set the match up for a nervy finish with his 88th minute strike.

Fortunately for Pep Guardiola’s side, they would just about bring their two-game winless run in the Premier League to an end.

While Arsenal and Man City managed to avoid dropping points in the fight for the title, it’s worth mentioning that neither side are top heading into the October international break.

And Liverpool fans were sure to remind them.

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP