Man City On The Hunt In Title Race, Reijnders Warns Arsenal

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Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has underlined that Arsenal face growing pressure in the Premier League title race, with City closing the gap. City sit four points behind Mikel Arteta's side after consecutive league wins against Liverpool and Fulham, and Reijnders believes the momentum shift keeps Guardiola's team firmly in contention.

Arsenal have stumbled in recent weeks, dropping points in four of their last six league matches. The 1-1 draw with Brentford on Thursday added to that run of three draws and one defeat. City, meanwhile, have taken advantage and now wait to see if Arsenal slip again against bottom club Wolves on Wednesday, before a key North London derby at Tottenham on Sunday.

The Opta supercomputer still rates Arsenal strong favourites in the Premier League title race, giving Arteta's team an 85.3% chance of finishing top. City's title prospects are calculated at 12.8%, yet those figures looked very different on 7 February, when Arsenal beat Sunderland 3-0 to move nine points clear and were given a 93.6% chance, with City at just 4.6%.

Those probabilities could narrow further, since Arsenal must still visit the Etihad Stadium on matchday 33. That direct meeting is likely to have major influence on the Premier League title race. Reijnders expects Guardiola's squad to keep pushing, especially after Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup win over Salford City, which extended City's positive mood in all competitions.

Speaking after that Salford victory, Reijnders said: "The mood's been good, but it was also good before. Of course, we've dropped some points as well but it's good and we are on the hunt and we keep going. We have to see of course, but if we keep going like this, who knows?" Those words underline City's belief they can chase down Arsenal.

Reijnders joined Manchester City from AC Milan in June for an initial 46.3m (55m), and the midfielder has become a regular contributor during this Premier League title race. Reijnders has scored five league goals and supplied two assists so far. Reijnders has also completed 294 passes into the final third, the sixth-highest total in City's squad this season.

Asked about the first season in England and the demands of the Premier League title race, the Dutch midfielder pointed to steady progress and trust from Guardiola. Reijnders said: "Luckily I've played many games already and the coach gave me time to adapt as well, but I really like it. I like the Premier League and especially I like the team where I'm playing now."

With Arsenal still leading but showing signs of strain, and City improving form across league and cup, the Premier League title race appears set for a tense run-in. Upcoming fixtures against Wolves, Tottenham and then the showdown at the Etihad Stadium look crucial, with Reijnders and teammates prepared to maintain pressure on the leaders.