Supercomputer has, however, reduced the probability of Arsenal becoming the EPL champions from 85.2% to 73.0%.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Opta supercomputer has insisted that Arsenal are still the favourites to win the English Premier League (EPL) title, despite a significant and narrow defeat to their nearest challengers, Manchester City.
The Gunners lost 2-1 against the Cityzens in a crucial Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.
Rayan Cherki, who had already hit the post earlier in the game, showed supreme footwork and skill in a crowded penalty area to put City ahead.
However, Arsenal equalised only 107 seconds later when City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma hesitated, striking a panic-stricken clearance off the incoming Kai Havertz.
Erling Haaland then netted the winner in the second half to secure all three points for Pep Guardiola’s side.
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The defeat was the second consecutive loss suffered by the league leaders, following their 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth last weekend.
The result meant that Guardiola’s men have closed the gap on the Gunners to just three points with a game in hand.
Before kick-off, Opta had installed Arsenal as heavy favourites to become champions with an 85.2 per cent probability, while City sat at 14.8 per cent.
But following the clash at the Etihad, rather than City moving into the driving seat, the supercomputer still rates Arsenal’s chances of winning the title at 73.0 per cent.
This means City now have a 27 per cent chance of finishing top, though they could overtake Mikel Arteta’s men with a win at Burnley on Wednesday.
