The Premier League title race has taken another dramatic twist after Manchester City's late rally only salvaged a draw against Everton—and the football world is buzzing.
On BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam didn't hold back, calling it a "big dent" in City's title charge. But the reactions were far from one-sided.
Ex-City goalkeeper Shay Given offered a more balanced take: "Let's not forget, this is two points dropped, but it could be a huge point. I don't think anybody thought they were going to drop two points tonight. Now it is wide open. It has to be Arsenal's title now."
The drama at Goodison Park saw City push hard for a winner, but Jeremy Doku's late equalizer changed the narrative entirely. Rory Smith, Football Correspondent for The Observer, explained: "That late goal from Jeremy Doku changes it a little bit. It means Arsenal can't afford to lose a game. That was the break Arsenal have been waiting for. It proves that Manchester City's players are susceptible to nerves as well. We have been treating it as though the only team that can buckle in the title race is Arsenal."
Smith added: "Arsenal laid down the gauntlet on Saturday, they got the win and got the goal difference and said to City: 'Go on, try and catch us.' And City couldn't ultimately."
On Sky Sports, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry kept his emotions in check despite the boost for his former club. "I wouldn't be thinking 'we can afford to drop points now' if I was Arsenal, but it is back in their hands, that is a fact," he said. "I am going to stay in my lane, I am not going to celebrate too early. Nothing is done."
Henry, ever the competitor, warned against complacency: "Manchester City dropped two points, but you can't start to think that maybe [you can drop points]. There is no maybe. I am worried for the West Ham game, like I was worried for City [against Everton] today."
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher summed up the mixed emotions: "We don't know if that point will be vital towards the end of the season, but it almost feels like everyone is disappointed. Man City will be because they were up 1-0. Arsenal's biggest rivals have dropped two points but their players and supporters will be absolutely devastated that it could have been a defeat."
With the title race now firmly in Arsenal's hands, every match feels like a cup final. The message from the pundits is clear: the Gunners can't afford to slip up now.