Arsenal's grip on the Premier League summit has felt firm for much of the season but matches like Sunday's defeat at the Etihad against Manchester City underline why the title race remains precariously balanced.
Mikel Arteta's side have spent a whopping 206 days top of the table this season, compared with just six for City, yet history suggests that time spent leading rarely translates into silverware for the Gunners.
Since Arteta took charge of his first league game on Boxing Day 2019, Arsenal have accumulated 537 days at the top of the Premier League. Manchester City, across the same period, have managed slightly fewer at 453 days. The difference, however, is felt most sharply in the honours list: four league titles for City, none for Arsenal.
It highlights a recurring theme. Arsenal have often led the race early and for long stretches, only for City to surge when it matters most. Pep Guardiola's side are used to hunting, not leading, gradually stripping away advantages through relentless form in the season's closing weeks.
Encounters between the two now carry more weight than three points alone. For Arsenal, they are tests of nerve as much as quality – chances to show that lessons have been learned from past run-ins.
Being top for longer than anyone else counts for nothing if the finish line is crossed second. Until Arsenal convert their days of control into their first title in more than two decades, the pressure will not ease – especially whenever Pep Guardiola's City are in pursuit.
