EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal head to Brentford on Thursday night with the pressure firmly on after Manchester City’s victory against Fulham with questions soon to be answered over Mikel Arteta’s side’s minerals
13:57, 12 Feb 2026Updated 13:59, 12 Feb 2026
Mikel Arteta’s side must handle the pressure of Manchester City(Image: (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images))
Arsenal are set to embark on a fixture run the club hasn’t seen in two decades with Mikel Arteta’s side fighting on four fronts and under pressure again from Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners entered the midweek fixtures with a six point advantage over Manchester City after Pep Guardiola’s side picked up a crucial win against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. But that gap has been cut to three after City routed to a 3-0 win over Fulham on Wednesday.
Arsenal’s game in hand on Thursday night gives them the chance to restore that advantage, but they must navigate a tough trip to European-chasing Brentford tonight (Thursday).
Arsenal can restore their six-point Premier League lead with victory over Brentford(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
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The trip to west London starts a busy run for the Gunners, with the north London derby and Chelsea to come in a matter of weeks.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport via Gambling.com where users find the best Online UK Casino bonuses, former Arsenal title winner Nigel Winterburn believes Arteta’s side will feel nothing but confident despite City’s pressure.
“They should go in with it with super confidence. They know that these games are coming up,” the former left-back said.
“They’ve got the form, they’re playing strong, they’ve got the squad. Go out and show us what I think they’re capable of doing. And I think a lot of other supporters do as well.
Manchester City showed their best against Fulham(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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“I’m sure they believe in themselves, but they’ve got to show the supporters and everybody watching that they have that belief.”
Following City’s crucial win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, Pep Guardiola’s side closed the gap to three points after beating Fulham on Wednesday, but Winterburn is confident that the Gunners won’t crumble under the pressure.
“You always want as much points gap as possible. I’d rather be six clear than six behind. Man City’s a huge club, it’s got terrific players. They’ve had a big change this season. They’ve also shown a bit of vulnerability this season as well.
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has given his verdict on the title race(Image: Getty Images)
“Do I think any of the teams will go unbeaten through to the end of the season? Probably not. Which makes me believe that we’ll (Arsenal) win the title this time.
“It’s up to the players and the manager to push themselves across the line. They’re never going to talk about it, but they know what they’re trying to achieve.
“City are going to try and chase them down. Have they got that belief this time and that resilience to do it? Time will tell us.”