Arsenal news: Can Gunners hold their nerve in title fight with current lead?

The Gunners have been leaders of the Premier League at this stage of the season on three occasions, but have only won the title once: in the Invincibles’ 2003-04 season, where they finished unbeaten.

They then had a two-point lead after 23 matches. This has also been the case in 2022-23, with Mikel Arteta’s side increasing their lead to eight points after 29 games, having played one more than Manchester City, only to capitulate in the showdown.

Arsenal’s biggest advantage after 23 matches was a five-point lead in 2002-03. The term ‘bullshit time’ emerged later that season, when Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was looking to put pressure on the Gunners. The north London side stumbled, eventually finishing five points behind as United regained the title.