Vieira slams Arteta for Eze substitution, Richards says title race ‘over’ for Arsenal after Man City win at Etihad

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira slammed manager Mikel Arteta for taking Eberechi Eze off in the defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday, while Micah Richards feels that the title race is over for the London club. Arsenal had a six-point lead over Man City ahead of the mega blockbuster clash, while Pep Guardiola's side had a game in hand.

City, however, dealt a massive blow to Arsenal's Premier League title chances with a 2-1 win, reducing the gap with the EPL leaders to just three points and still having a game in hand.

Rayan Cherki gave hosts City a lead in the 16th minute, but Kai Havertz pulled things back soon, scoring the equaliser in the 18th. But Erling Haaland's strike in the 65th minute sealed the deal for Man City.

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Richards, Viera react to Arsenal loss

Arsenal have not won the Premier League crown since 2004, and despite having a slender lead at the moment, the experts believe that City are now the favourites.

"I’ve always said whoever wins this game will have the momentum," former Man City defender Richards told Sky Sports. "Obviously City got to go to Burnley and win that, but Arsenal have still got two games before Manchester City play again, they’ve got Newcastle and Fulham.

"I just thought this was the game. If they could get over the line in this game and stay within three points of Arsenal, I just think with the experience, the big players, the big moments…"

Meanwhile, Vieira, who was the captain when Arsenal last won the league, was disappointed to see Arteta take Eberechi Eze out for Leonardo Trossard in the 75th minute. Eberechi Eze was one of the most influential Arsenal players on the pitch and also hit the frame once.

"I was a bit disappointed, to be honest, that he (Eze) came off because I think he was getting into the game and he could create chances for scoring goals because he’s got that quality," Vieira said.

"Taking him off, I think I was disappointed to see him off."

'Arsenal players now more convinced'

Meanwhile, Arteta has put up a brave front, claiming that Arsenal remain the favourite to win the league and the team is full of belief.

"I believe today, I believed on Wednesday, a week ago because I see them every day and I know the level that we have," Arteta said. "But today if [the players] need to be more convinced, I think they are now more convinced. They were talking about it in the dressing room.

"It's a new league now. They have a game in hand. We have three points of advantage and five games to play. So everything is still to play for. We're not going to stop and we're going to go again, that's for sure."