‘In danger of handing the title to Man City’ – National media react to Arsenal draw vs West Ham amid title race worry

West Ham dealt Arsenal a huge dent to their hopes of winning the Premier League this season after points were shared at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with Manchester City breathing down the Gunners’ necks.

Arsenal look like they are feeling the pressure at the moment in the Premier League title race. They have been top of the table for most of the season, even enjoying an eight-point lead over Manchester City not so long ago.

But Mikel Arteta’ side have drawn their most recent two league matches, giving away two-goal leads against Liverpool and West Ham. Now, Man City are just four points behind them with a game in hand – and a meeting between the two clubs is still due to take place.

Now, the tide may be turning for Man City to retain their title. Unless Arsenal can reverse their recent dip in form, they may have to settle for second place.

So, with that being said, let take a look at what the national media made of Arsenal’s result in east London.

The Mirror

In the Mirror, it was said that Arsenal have become sloppy in recent weeks. John Cross wrote: “One is naive. Twice is downright stupidity. Within the space of a week, Arsenal have twice blown a two-goal lead, surrendered four points and are in danger of handing the title to Manchester City.

“But while you could almost excuse drawing at Liverpool last week, a carbon copy slip-up at West Ham is less easy to forgive, especially from a position of complete control. Of course Arteta can put a brave face on the result and say it is still in Arsenal’s hands.

“But only if they go and win at the Etihad a week on Wednesday. And that looks pretty unlikely. It even looks as if Arsenal have been spooked by City because Pep Guardiola’s winning streak has made them look untouchable.”

The Telegraph

As for The Telegraph, they too slammed the Gunners for their naivety. Jason Burt wrote: “Two successive Sundays. Two 2-2 draws. Two points again discarded. Two games when a 2-0 lead was quickly established but ultimately surrendered.

“It is all beginning to look too, too much for Arsenal and their unexpected Premier League title challenge. The moments smacked of naivety (or arrogance?), even if they came from two such experienced midfielders in Xhaka and Partey.

“Arsenal extended their advantage at the top over Manchester City to four points and should make it seven when they host Southampton on Friday. But they will have played two games more and must face City away a week on Wednesday. There appears to have been a significant and maybe decisive shift in momentum in recent weeks when the pressure is on.”

The Guardian

In the Guardian, they focused on how the title race has exhausted Arsenal mentally. Barney Ronay wrote: “Objects in the rear-view mirror may be closer than they seem. For what feels like at least a decade now, from way back in the early years of this endless Premier League season, Arsenal have maintained their lead over Manchester City at the top of the table, keeping that sky blue vessel of sporting perfection in the near slipstream all the way from autumn into spring.

“At the final whistle on a muggy, sullen afternoon at the London Stadium five of Arsenal’s outfield players slumped into the same position, bent at the waist, staying on their feet, but kidney-punched, feeling that wash of late-season nausea.

“A 2-2 draw here meant that an eight-point lead had become six points, had become four points and might yet become one point. That black-clad skinny-legged figure in the rear-view mirror, fists pumping, eyes bulging, has seemed distant at times. Glance back now and he’s right there, a single hand clamped down on the rear bumper, never breaking stride.”