'It's better to be chased' - the mentality of a title race

"When you are at the top of the league it's in your hands and if you keep winning your games, as difficult as it is, the teams that are chasing you don't have any answers. It does depend on if you have been in that position before. In my second year at Blackburn we were top or second, it was slipping and sliding backwards and forwards."

"The pressure is massive in both situations, but it is nice pressure when you are trying to chase trophies and league titles. My preference is always to be the hunted because you have less pressure and can play with more freedom and express yourself more."

The Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City remains highly competitive with Arsenal holding a five-point advantage but having played one more game. Manchester City, six-time champions in eight years, possess a game in hand and will face Arsenal in April. Historical data shows that 11 of the past 30 seasons saw the league leaders after 28 matches fail to secure the title, with Arsenal specifically losing leads in both 2023 and 2024. Former Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer and Women's Super League champion Steph Houghton both emphasize that being the chasing team offers psychological advantages, though both positions carry significant pressure.

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