Comment: Arsenal should be happy with progress but the title is City's

The hammering away to Manchester City on Wednesday shows how far the Gunners have to travel.

CLOSE BUT NOT CLOSE ENOUGH: Manchester City's John Stones (second right) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game, as Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus stands dejected during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Wednesday April 26, 2023. PA Photo. See PA Story SOCCER Man City. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

WHATEVER the result and however the season finishes, Arsenal should be happy with the unexpected progress they have made this season and look forward to challenging for the title for years to come.

They are still winning the league and are still top of the table, after all. That was one narrative being widely hawked around in the build-up to this championship-deciding showdown. It is a strong argument and one this correspondent largely adheres to. But, somehow, it all rings a bit hollow after witnessing first hand this footballing lesson from the Manchester masters and title favourites.