Claims that victory in this final could be a huge psychological blow in the title race are perhaps a little fanciful. But still, that flatness in the second half, the way Arsenal were pinned back and unable to break forward, has to be a concern. City went on to win the title by five points. They lost one game during the run in, to Aston Villa, City won nine in a row, and a second title chance in two years was gone. But the biggest fear for Arsenal will be that they were undone by anxiety, tightening up as the line came into view.

Source: Irish Examiner March 24, 2026 09:10 UTC