Similarly, Liverpool were likely hoping that the Gunners would not be able to beat Man City.
In the end, both teams won handsomely to show why they are the two best sides in the Premier League right now.
Having dispatched City 5-1, Arsenal will surely have a newfound belief that they can claw back the six-point gap to the top of the Premier League table.
And speaking after Sunday’s statement victory, former Gunners winger Theo Walcott has predicted whether his old side can topple Liverpool and win the league.
Theo Walcott backs Liverpool title
Walcott kind of has a foot in both camps here. Although he was an Arsenal player for 12 years, he did grow up a Liverpool fan.
As a result, the 35-year-old can offer a unique perspective on who is likely to win this battle.
And although Walcott praised his old team for getting the win they needed over City on Sunday, he admitted that he’d still make Liverpool favourites.
“Liverpool are at this time playing on some level,” the former England international raved to BBC Match of the Day 2.
“I think it’s going to be closer than you think but Liverpool at this moment in time I just don’t see them slipping up.”
Danny Murphy offers his take
Sitting opposite Walcott in the Match of the Day studio, Murphy offered a Liverpool take on things.
Like Walcott, Murphy is a boyhood Red, but also has the added bonus of having made 249 appearances for the club. His allegiances never wavered.
And according to the former midfielder, Liverpool’s rearranged Merseyside Derby against Everton next week could hold the key.
“I think the thing with Arsenal is they’re capable of going on great runs,” Murphy says.
“The game in hand Liverpool have, a few weeks ago it looked like a gimme. And it’s turned into a little bit more after Everton have won three on the spin. It’s not going to be a walk in the park.”
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