It’s Man City’s advantage after Arsenal and Liverpool fluff their lines, but don’t rule out more twists in the closest Premier League title race for years, writes SAMI MOKBEL

To me. For you. To me. No, for you. Your trip. No, after you.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2023/2024 Premier League title race: one of heart-stopping waves – but one of three of European football’s superpowers falling over themselves to lose.

So it’s Manchester City’s advantage. Well, until the next twist.

Of course, City has the experience, know-how and knowledge.

Getting over the line has been perfected by Pep Guardiola with surgical precision over the years.

Manchester City do not have the air of invincibility that marked their Treble campaign

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Yet there is not the air of invincibility about this City side that characterized their historic pursuit of last season’s Treble.

They dropped points in just 10 games en route to a third successive Premier League title last term.

They have already reached that total this season with six games left to play.

Realistically, the smart money is on City pulling clear once again, but the unpredictable nature of this season’s race for the crown suggests we may well be through with predictions before too long.

When the news of Liverpool’s shock loss at home to Crystal Palace filtered through the Emirates Stadium before kick-off this Sunday afternoon, you sensed the anticipation.

This was it. The day Arsenal finally took control of their destiny. Do not choke. Oh…

You couldn’t escape the irony. The man at the heart of Aston Villa’s victory here in north London was the very man who was unceremoniously dumped by the Gunners after just 18 months in charge in 2019.

This was just that moment for Unai Emery, his celebrations after Ollie Watkins’ brilliant second illustration of his euphoria.

Unai Emery will be delighted to have guided Villa to victory over his former club Arsenal

Emiliano Martinez, who also has strong Arsenal links, put in an impressive display

The Spaniard will feel this win to his bones, although he insisted it meant no more to him than any other triumph during his post-match media duties.

It’s poppy, of course. If he felt a sense of vindication, it would be only natural.

There will always be a sense of right guy, wrong time with Emery and Arsenal.

Arsenal were broken upon his arrival in 2018. And let’s be honest, replacing Arsene Wenger was always going to be the impossible job.

But his work is compelling – and here, at his former home – Emery burst Arsenal’s balloon with a striking ball to add to his reputation as one of Europe’s shrewdest coaches.

Then of course there is Emiliano Martinez – the former Arsenal goalkeeper sold by Mikel Arteta in the summer of 2020.

His stunning save to deny Leandro Trossard in the first half was smashing. With clenched fists and fire in his eyes, the Argentine received rightful respect from his colleagues.

Needless to say, Martinez was front and center of Villa’s celebrations after the full-time whistle.

Although Arsenal will be dejected, there could still be more twists and turns in the title race

Arsenal will only have themselves to blame if they fall short in the title race again

Villa deserved their win. It was a shock – but certainly no smash and grab.

Still, it was a result entirely in keeping with a season in which neither Arsenal, Liverpool nor City seem overly excited about grabbing by the horns.

It is of course poignant. You can’t take your eyes off it.

But if Arsenal fall short again, they have only themselves to blame. They should be a point ahead of City and three behind Liverpool at the summit this morning.

Instead, their title nerve is being questioned for the second consecutive season. Will City let Arsenal and Liverpool off the hook?

The way this season has gone, you wouldn’t put it past them.