Arsenal next six Premier League fixtures compared to Man City and Liverpool after Aston Villa loss

A familiar feeling crept around the Emirates Stadium during the end of the first half against Aston Villa. That intangible atmospheric thing carried over after the break. It isn't the first time it's been clear this season. The result that followed carried unfortunate shades of the title collapse 12 months ago.

Arsenal failed to take advantage of multiple enormous chances to get the lead and as the game went on the effect of things drifting away was heightened. Emi Martinez flung himself in front of shots, Kai Havertz fired his efforts at visiting bodies, and no amount of Martin Odegaard trickery could unlock the defence.

After Liverpool threw the title race wide open — just seven days on from the last time they relinquished control over their own fate — Mikel Arteta's side were unable to capitalise. Second-half strikes from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins dented the hopes of a first championship in 20 years for Arsenal on a weekend that looked to have opened itself up for them.

Earlier on Sunday, Liverpool suffered a result and a performance that will have been far too eery for Arsenal themselves. Dominating large spells of the second 45 at Anfield, Liverpool had poor finishing to blame for dropping yet more points in a disastrous week for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Chances were missed, heroic defending from unlikely Palace sources were made, and the frustration was apparent throughout much of a disjointed if not unlucky display. All the while, Manchester City and Pep Guardiola were laughing.

There was a period on Saturday afternoon where it looked like Luton Town might be the side to turn the title race. Even after an early goal for the champions, Rob Edwards' side were resilient enough to keep the difference to one whilst