Former Manchester City and Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira has explained why Pep Guardiola’s side have managed to all but clinch the title ahead of the Gunners.

The Citizens only need one win from their final three matches to seal top spot, and Vieira believes a lack of physicality, leadership and competitiveness has ultimately led to Arteta’s team falling short:

“What they (Arsenal) are missing is this physical presence. This kind of leadership where people can get at the back of players when they are not performing at the level that Arsenal expect. For me, they will have to build a team with more personality and more competitiveness. I think the Arsenal team, there is quality, there is no doubt about it. They are playing some really good football, but there is still a difference between them and Manchester City.”

You do get the feeling that City’s 3-0 victory at Everton knocked the wind out of Arsenal’s sails somewhat. They looked flat from the beginning of the game against Brighton and ultimately deserved to lose.

In contrast, the reigning champions showed all of their character and experience to negotiate a stern test at Goodison Park. They had to ride an early storm before going on to secure a relatively easy win.

City could actually secure the title without kicking a ball but that would be reliant on Nottingham Forest beating Arsenal this weekend. If that doesn’t happen, City will have to do the business versus Chelsea on Sunday.