It could all have been so different, which is why we might yet have different champions. Arsenal get through it. Not just these utterly gripping last 15 minutes at Tottenham Hotspur, but also three games that could well have ended a supposedly jaded side’s title challenge. This spell has instead propelled Mikel Arteta’s side, although even this third successive victory played out in a way that no one could have foreseen.

It was an emotionally exhausting 3-2 in the north London derby that had earlier been an exhilarating 3-0. It might well serve them, although nobody was thinking that at the time. The relief at the final whistle was all too visible, Arteta’s staff immediately embracing, and the players running over to the away end and jumping up and punching the air in a way that showcased a real release.

Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz were among the top performers –here is how all the players rated:

Bukayo Saka after the match:

“We showed today, maybe last season that could have ended in a draw but we have the experience now, we can come here and get three points when it’s a massive game.”

Report and reaction from this game to come – but for now we’re switching straight over to the next twist in the title race…and the relegation battle, come to that.

Nottingham Forest vs Man City LIVE – follow it here!

Arsenal players celebrate, the coaches on the sidelines are delighted.

For Spurs fans and players it’s exasperation and frustration, those first-half mishaps far too costly and not really enough from them second half in truth.

Hojbjerg’s own goal, Saka’s curler and Havertz’s finish put the Gunners three up at the break; Raya’s error saw Romero pull one back then Rice’s foul allowed Son to score a penalty.

3-2 to Arsenal in the end.

Spurs stay seven points behind Villa in fourth, with two games in hand.

Well inside the 96th minute. Kulusevski and Lo Celso combine and they win another corner for Spurs, deep into stoppage time. Vicario is up for it!

The first man clears it though, terrible cross.

Son delivers the next cross, it’s overhit and out of play – there goes the whistle!

Three points for Arsenal, very hard-fought in the end but they stay top, increase their lead and are four ahead of City!

Richarlison charges pas his man, Saliba chops him down. Free-kick and a chance to deliver from the left for the hosts.

Porros’ cross is headed behind for a corner and Arsenal have less than three minutes to defend and hold on for.

Saka’s corner is flicked on – Van de Ven has to head it away off the line! Possibly Romero with the flick on towards his own net.

Spurs immediately push everyone forward after a foul is given on the next set piece and they clear their lines.

Six minutes to be added on! What a finale we’ve got now.

Richarlison what are you doing! He barrels straight into Gabriel, almost head to head. A VAR check says it’s not a red card but he’s very lucky.

Kiwior is on for Odegaard for Arsenal.

Lo Celso on for Davies for Spurs.

Son takes the penalty – and absolutely buries it! High and into the top-left corner.

Spurs are back to 2-3…they have five minutes or so and stoppage time to find a late equaliser!

Arsenal now in nervous territory indeed!