Why perfection might not be enough for Arsenal in title race

Arsenal have lost just twice in the league since the turn of the year, and even if Mikel Arteta's side are perfect from here until the end of the season, the title might still be out of reach.

The Premier League title race is going down to the wire with Arsenal and Manchester City having separated themselves from Liverpool.

Now, in a two-horse race, Arsenal maintains a one-point lead over City thanks to the 3-2 win over Spurs, while City dispatched Nottingham Forest 2-0. Despite being nearly perfect since the turn of the year (just two league defeats), the Gunners might miss out on title glory despite being superb in the run-in.

As the data above suggests, the Gunners, who have picked up 40 out of a possible 45 points, still might miss out on the title due to City's ridiculously high standards.

Pep Guardiola's side haven't lost in the league since December 7 against Aston Villa and are currently on a 19-game unbeaten run as they look to win their fourth consecutive league title.

That is what Arteta's side is up against.

With just four games left in the season, even if Arsenal were to win all four and eight out of their last nine games, it still wouldn't be enough if City wins all of their remaining games.

Arsenal has to be perfect and hope that City stumbles against either Wolves, Fulham, Tottenham, or West Ham.

Given how well the Gunners have played of late, missing out on the title after nearly being perfect since the turn of the year, would be a tough pill to swallow.

Even perfection might not be enough to halt Pep's juggernaut.