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Arsenal

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‘We’re not going to give up, anything can still happen’: Arteta refuses to hand Man City title despite Arsenal collapse

Mikel Arteta Man City v Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is refusing to give up on Arsenal’s title dream despite seeing his side outclassed in a 4-1 loss to nearest rivals Manchester City on Wednesday evening.

City struck a huge blow in the Premier League title race with victory over the leaders at the Etihad Stadium, reducing the gap to two points with two games in hand as Arteta’s men were blown away on a tough night.

Kevin de Bruyne scampered away from Erling Haaland’s pass to set City on their way after seven minutes.

John Stones doubled the lead with a header in first-half stoppage time, the goal given by VAR after originally being ruled offside, and De Bruyne’s second after 54 minutes killed off the Gunners.

Rob Holding did pull one back late on, but Haaland had the final word deep in stoppage time with his 49th City goal.

Pep Guardiola’s side, who can go top with victory at Fulham on Sunday, are now strong favourites to win a third successive title.

And speaking after the game, Arteta told BT Sport: “Today is a very difficult night after the way we lost,” a dejected Arteta conceded.

“But we have to stand up look at the bigger picture and the fact we are competing toe-to-toe with this team it’s incredible.

“We are going to want to compete and we are not going to give up. There are five games to go in this league and anything can happen.

“I’ve seen a lot of things and I’ve been here more than 20 years and you have to believe that while tonight it is difficult, we have to look in the mirror and accept that we have lost against an exceptional team and that’s it.”

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