Arsenal Fans Erupt at ‘Shocking’ Anthony Elanga as Man City Close Gap in Premier League Title Race

Arsenal supporters are in uproar after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Anthony Elanga's late equalizer handed the Swedish winger hero status for the hosts and reignited Manchester City's title hopes in the 2025-26 Premier League season[2]. The Gunners, leading the table, squandered a two-goal advantage at Molineux, following a prior 1-1 stalemate at Brentford, reducing their lead over Pep Guardiola's side to just five points—with City holding a game in hand[1][2][3].

Fans took to social media, branding Elanga's 88th-minute strike as "shocking" and a "gift" to rivals Man City, who responded emphatically with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. Nico O'Reilly's brace, including two goals sandwiching Lewis Hall's equalizer, propelled City closer in the race, turning the pressure back on Mikel Arteta's men[6][7]. Pundits like Joe Cole highlighted City's edge: "They've walked the walk—elite players thrive under pressure, unlike Arsenal's uncertainty," echoing past seasons where City pipped the Gunners despite late surges[1][3].

Arsenal's slip-ups mirror familiar patterns from 2022-23 and 2023-24, when they faltered in the run-in, allowing City to claim titles by narrow margins—91 vs. 84 points, and beyond[2]. Joleon Lescott noted the upcoming Carabao Cup final at Wembley in March holds "greater ramifications for Arsenal," who haven't won silverware since 2020; a loss could derail momentum ahead of the pivotal April Etihad clash[1][3].

AI simulations predict a nail-biter, with City edging Arsenal by one point after a 3-1 home win in that title decider, following Arsenal's projected North London derby draw[4]. Arteta urged learning from mistakes: "We get punished for every error."[5] As City eye their game in hand and recent wins over Liverpool and Fulham, the race intensifies—Arsenal's fate now hinges on consistency against the champions' proven late-season grit[4][5].

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