‘They still have a game in hand’ – Nathan Ake says Arsenal remain title favourites despite Man City win

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake believes Arsenal are still the favourites to win the title despite his side’s success over the Gunners.

The title race took another turn on Wednesday night after a nerve-racking teacher versus mentor tie ended 3-1 in favour of Pep Guardiola’s defending champions.

Bukayo Saka converted from the spot following a foul by Ederson on Eddie Nketiah to cancel out Kevin De Bruyne’s opener after a Takehiro Tomiyasu howler.

However, a champion’s performance from the Cityzens in the second half saw Jack Grealish and Erling Braut Haaland seal the win for City to close the gap on Mikel Arteta’s side.

City have knocked Arsenal off the top of the table on goal difference, although it could prove only temporary as the Gunners still have a game in hand.

Ake was quick to point out in his interview when asked if his side, who now have all the momentum in the title race, are favourites for the crown.

“No,” the former Chelsea defender responded (via the Evening Standard). 

“They [Arsenal] still have a game in hand, so they still have three points on us, so we don’t want to get carried away. We will keep doing what we are doing, go game by game, and take it from there.

“We know there is still a long way to go, they have a game in hand, but for us, it is good to come to a tough place like this, get the win – that is important. 

“We knew beforehand it was going to be a very big game, and we just wanted to win the game and get the three points, and we did.”

There is still a lot of football to be played, but City’s win over the former league leaders could prove monumental in deciding which way the title swings this season.

Meanwhile, there could also be a third party in the title race, with Manchester United creeping up on both Arsenal and City, just five points behind the duelling duo.