From a trophyless season to the possibility of a domestic treble, it's been a wild ride for Manchester City fans so far – and it's time to hold on as we start to turn into the final straight.
I'm of the mind that the domestic double – the League Cup and FA Cup – would be an impressive end to a campaign where, at times, silverware certainly hasn't been promised.
I did believe City had the potential to just pip Arsenal to the title on goal difference, but now I think Mikel Arteta’s men will get the job done. I’d always back the Blues – they have the momentum and real experience of locking in when it really matters. I just think with the trickier fixtures and a bit of fixture congestion, it feels like a big ask for this young side.
Arsenal are desperate – 22 years without a title – and that desperation to end their title drought could be their biggest strength. Whether they can hold their nerve to actually get it over the line remains to be seen.
But we've seen real progress from this evolving Pep side this season. Many of the younger players have come of age, the new signings have really bedded in. Pep's found a consistent starting XI that he trusts, that has a rhythm and consistency. But can they be perfect between now and the end of the season? It's a huge ask. It feels like it could just be a season too soon when it comes to the title – but it's ominous already for next season for City's rivals.
A domestic double is more than achievable. An FA Cup final against Chelsea could be tricky with Premier League midweek games either side. But having made more history by reaching four FA Cup finals in a row, surely Pep wouldn’t want the honour of losing three of those on the spin.
The title race could boil down to who blinks first – and with City playing on Monday at Everton, the Blues may have to overturn a six-point deficit yet again should Arsenal beat Fulham.
Pep's men are currently 11 games unbeaten in the league. They'd need to go 16 to win the league. If they do? Well, nobody could argue with that.
Emily Brobyn is regularly on BBC Radio Manchester – find all their Man City audio here
