Manchester City fans use 115 charges banner to taunt Arsenal after Etihad victory | OneFootball

An iconic banner first used in relation to the club’s 115 charges has been repurposed by Manchester City supporters during the ongoing Premier League title race.

City’s relentless pursuit of the Premier League crown reached a fever pitch at the Etihad Stadium as they secured a vital victory to move within just three points of leaders Arsenal.

The deadlock was broken when Rayan Cherki – who had earlier been denied by the woodwork – displayed mesmerising close skill to dance through the Gunners’ defence and fire home, though the lead lasted less than two minutes as Kai Havertz capitalised on a rare Gianluigi Donnarumma error to equalise.

In a pulsating second half that saw Erling Haaland and Eberechi Eze both strike the post, it was ultimately the Norwegian striker who settled the contest, reacting quickest in the area to poke home a trademark winner.

Despite late scares involving a deflected Gabriel header hitting the post and a missed sitter from Havertz, Pep Guardiola’s men showed their character and mentality to hold firm, ensuring title momentum has shifted decisively back toward the blue half of Manchester.

Man City fans unveil ‘PANIC’ banner aimed at Arsenal

And after the full-time whistle at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening, City fans in the South Stand unveiled a stand-wide banner which read, ‘PANIC ON THE STREETS OF LONDON’ in reference to The Smiths’ 1987 hit ‘Panic’.

The banner, in fact, is an amended version of an edition first used in February 2023 prior to the club’s defiant 3-1 win over Aston Villa – which followed a week that saw the club struck with 115 charges of allegedly breaching Premier League financial rules.

Draped over the second tier of the South Stand was the original banner, which celebrated the lawyers then-reported appointment to lead the club’s legal defence against the Premier League – “PANNICK ON THE STREETS OF LONDON”.

Now, following their massive triumph over Arsenal, City transition into a further defining stretch that could yet see them take a huge step towards securing a historic domestic double, or even treble.

What is Manchester City’s next main focus?

The immediate priority is maintaining league momentum in a midweek trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley, where a victory would see them leapfrog the Gunners to reclaim top spot for the first time in months.

Beyond the Premier League title race, there is also silverware in focus as Pep Guardiola leads his side to Wembley Stadium this weekend for an FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.

With the squad also awaiting a definitive update on Ruben Dias and Rodri‘s respective injury recoveries, the club is entering a frantic fortnight that will determine if this season concludes with a trophy haul or questions as to perhaps how it got away from them at the business end.