Paul Merson says: 'Different' Man City's in last chance Premier League title saloon

Sky Sports' Paul Merson pens his latest column on the drama of the Premier League title race. The Magic Man also gives his views on Arsenal's improvements, Manchester City's difference from previous seasons and why timing plays such a vital role in season run-ins...

There's a lot of talk around whether Arsenal could have done more at Manchester City. Could they have been bolder and gone for a win?

You could turn around and say that City were without two of their best defenders in Kyle Walker and John Stones, and maybe that provided a big chance for Arsenal at a place they haven't had a good record at.

However, they have now played arguably the best team in the world twice this season in the Premier League and they haven't let in a goal.

They followed up the 1-0 win at the Emirates earlier in the season with a superb defensive performance to secure a goalless draw at the Etihad. They have taken four points of Pep Guardiola's side. How many teams do that in a season?

Arsenal had to go up to Manchester and make sure they didn't get beat and that's exactly what they did. They achieved what they set out to do and full credit to them for that.

I didn't feel Arsenal needed to win at City on Sunday for their title chances, but I thought it was critical they didn't lose.

You can see the improvement at the club.

Obviously it all unravelled for them at the end of last season. They got nervy and it slipped away from them and into City's hands. It left you thinking if they would ever get that good a chance of winning the title again.

But the progress has continued. It's there for all to see.

They are second in the league and right in the mix for the title again. They have taken four points off the treble winners from last season in City. They