Arsenal might have been celebrating long into Saturday night after that dramatic, heart-stopping win over Wolves, but the celebrations came with a quiet warning attached.
While the Gunners were still catching their breath, their two closest pursuers made sure the pressure stayed firmly on.
Manchester City and Aston Villa both did their jobs on Sunday, keeping the title race tight and twitchy as December rolls on.
Jamie Carragher, watching it all unfold, made it clear this is no time for Arsenal to relax.
If anything, the chasing pack looks sharper, braver and increasingly dangerous.
Manchester City Start to Look Like Themselves Again
City’s 3-0 stroll at Crystal Palace didn’t just add another three points — it felt like a statement.
That’s now five wins on the spin in all competitions, and after an uneven start to the season, Pep Guardiola’s side are beginning to hum again.
Erling Haaland did what Erling Haaland always does, scoring twice and reminding defenders why he keeps them awake at night.
But Carragher’s eyes were drawn elsewhere. For him, the real alarm bell for Arsenal was Phil Foden.
Phil Foden’s Return Changes the Conversation
Foden’s goal at Selhurst Park was his sixth in four league games, a run that has quietly shifted the mood around City.
Carragher didn’t mince his words on Sky Sports, pointing out that this is the same player who dominated the league not long ago.
A couple of seasons back, Foden was everywhere — 19 goals, eight assists, and a Player of the Season award as City powered to yet another title.
Last season told a very different story.
Confidence drained away, the numbers dipped sharply, and City never quite looked like themselves.
Now, though, Carragher sees a familiar figure re-emerging.
When Foden is flying, Carragher argued, he becomes City’s biggest weapon — even more unsettling for Arsenal than Haaland, whose goal tally is almost taken for granted at this point.
Guardiola Praises the Team but Pushes His Star
In classic Guardiola fashion, the manager wasn’t about to get carried away.
Despite Foden’s goal, Pep offered a measured assessment, suggesting his midfielder rushed things and gave the ball away too often.
It wasn’t criticism for the sake of it, more a reminder of the standards City live by.
Guardiola acknowledged Foden’s importance while making it clear there’s still another level to reach.
Foden himself echoed that message, admitting he tried to force things early on before settling into the game.
The goal, he said, arrived at exactly the right moment — not just for the scoreline, but to calm City down and take control.
Aston Villa Refuse to Go Away Quietly
While City were flexing their muscles, Aston Villa were busy proving they’re far more than a passing curiosity.
Their 3-2 win over West Ham, which saw them come from behind twice, was their 15th victory in 17 games — an astonishing run by any measure.
Villa now sit just a point behind City and three off Arsenal.
They might still be labelled outsiders, but the numbers suggest they’re no fluke.
Carragher was quick to point the finger at the man in charge.
Unai Emery’s Quiet Masterclass
Since replacing Steven Gerrard back in November 2022, Unai Emery has transformed Villa’s identity.
European qualification has become routine, belief has flooded back into the squad, and wins have piled up — 91 from 163 matches under his watch.
Carragher didn’t hesitate to put Emery in elite company, suggesting only Guardiola currently sits above him in the managerial pecking order.
Given Emery’s CV and the way Villa keep finding solutions in difficult games, it’s hard to argue.
A Title Race That Refuses to Settle
For Arsenal, the message from Carragher was simple: beware.
City are finding rhythm, Foden is back to his best, and Villa are charging with nothing to lose.
The margin for error is shrinking by the week.
Next up, Villa welcome Manchester United, City juggle cup duties against Brentford before hosting West Ham, and Arsenal know every dropped point will be pounced upon.
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