Arsenal could surrender huge title advantage to Manchester City amid final day suspension risk

Arsenal look set to Manchester City down to the wire in the Premier League title race.

Whereas last year, the Gunners fell away at this exact moment, a run of four straight victories since last month's disappointing 2-0 loss to Aston Villa has shown that they are capable of taking it all the way to the final day. "I've seen that the whole season," Arteta said when asked about the resilience his side have shown recently.

"They give me the reason to believe that every single day. We are right on it. The motivation for what is ahead is beautiful. We are all expecting that they’re going to have a real go."

For all Arsenal's good recent form though, as things stand, City still have the upper hand. Pep Guardiola's side are only one point off Arsenal and have a game in hand against Tottenham.

Even if they do win that game in hand, the title would still go down to the final day of the season, provided that Arsenal can get something from this Sunday's trip to Manchester United. Emotions will be surely be high at Old Trafford, but Mikel Arteta will need to keep his in check.

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The Spaniard has been known for his exuberant behaviour on the touchline during matches and currently leads the way among managers for most yellow cards in the Premier League this season. Arteta has picked up bookings in matches against Fulham, Brighton, Luton and both of Arsenal's fixtures against Chelsea this season.

Should Arteta pick up a booking against United this weekend, that will be his sixth of the season. This would see him banned from the touchline for Arsenal's clash with Everton on the final day of the season.

Arsenal have already missed Arteta in one game this season due to suspension. It did not go well for them as they ended up losing 1-0 to Aston Villa at Villa Park.

"It was what it was," the Spaniard said after the game in December. "I tried to adapt. I think the boys did really well to communicate what we wanted and the team had a really good performance."

To miss arguably the most important game in Arsenal's history since their move to the Emirates Stadium would be a huge blow for Arteta. He'll be hoping he can keep calm for Sunday's high stakes clash at Old Trafford.