David James names ‘favourite’ to win the league title after Man City close the gap on Arsenal

Sunderland impressed on their return to the top flight but could not cope with Pep Guardiola’s men, who led 2-0 at the break with goals from Ruben Dias and Josko Gvadiol.

Phil Foden continued his excellent run with his fifth goal in three games, helping City back into second place, now just two points behind Arsenal.

Arsenal have been the star performers in England this season, but have now dropped points in three of their last five games, including the setback at Villa Park.

Leandro Trossard’s second-half goal appeared to salvage a draw for the Gunners after Matty Cash opened the scoring for Unai Emery’s team.

However, Emi Buendia fired in a dramatic late winner to put Villa into the title conversation.

Former Premier League stopper David James commented that Arsenal looked ‘a bit vulnerable’ against Villa and suggested Mikel Arteta’s usually solid defense could be tested.

While James acknowledged other contenders may have a chance to ‘close the gap’ on Arsenal, he insists the Gunners are the ‘favourites’ for the title.

“The interesting thing about Man City is that they are capable of losing games at the moment,” James told Stadium Astro.

“I don’t think they’re the finished article. Erling Haaland is the talisman for them, but if you can keep him quiet you have a good chance of stopping Man City.

‘What is encouraging for the other clubs is that when Arsenal do concede, they look a bit vulnerable.

‘Villa showed strength, skill and determination and if the other teams can do that, they can close the gap on Arsenal.

‘But that doesn’t mean Arsenal aren’t still the favourites.’

Former Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill also believes Arsenal are still the team to beat in this season’s title race.

The Gunners have not lifted the league trophy since 2004, having finished runners-up in each of the past three seasons.

“Mikel Arteta sounded quite focused after the game and that should be the case because they performed fantastically,” O’Neill told Premier League Productions.

‘Okay, they gave in in the last minute and that will definitely hurt. They need to start again next weekend because they have real strength and the will not to lose, and that should be of great value to them as the season progresses.

‘The truth is that we all think that if a team finishes above Arsenal this season, they will win the league.’

A growing concern for Arteta is the increasing number of injuries at Arsenal, and Ray Parlor is ‘concerned’ about the situation at his former club.

“It’s definitely a concern,” Parlor said. ‘Many defenders are out, injuries are now piling up.

‘This time of year is so busy that it really is a crucial period. Mikel has to try to manage the team and get a few players fit.

‘That will be a disappointing trip back to Birmingham today. Conceding too late is always disappointing, but you have to bounce back, that’s what good teams do.

‘Mikel Arteta will be a bit worried, but Arsenal have to deal with it.’