With the 4-1 capitulation to crosstown rivals Manchester United, Manchester City seem to have given up both the title race and on the season.

Having long been in second place and hot on the heels of leaders Chelsea, City have slumped to four ­defeats in their last six Premiership games, leaving them in fourth place. After a hectic campaign that at one point saw five teams in the chase for the third and fourth positions, the season seems to be winding down.

The focus is now on Arsenal and third-placed Manchester United in the race for second place. There is also a faint but hardly credible chance that Arsenal could challenge for the Premiership crown itself, but it is hard to see Chelsea slipping up and giving up a seven-point lead with one game in hand.

Arsenal have seen a remarkable ­resurgence since the new year when they lost to Southampton. Eight straight wins in the Premiership have vaulted them to second and a top-four finish should be guaranteed. Second place is not, however, since Manchester United are also on an impressive winning streak, during which they have seen off top-four rivals Tottenham Spurs, Liverpool and City.

For Manchester City, their situation is a far cry from two months ago when they were securely in second place. Since then, losses in the Premiership have come at the hands of the likes of Burnley and Crystal Palace as well as Liverpool.

There are several factors but the key seems to be that the team is just not clicking well and is probably suffering from dips in morale and motivation.

Striker Sergio Aguero has hardly scored recently while defender and captain Vincent Kompany has been far from his usual formidable self. Midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure has also barely made an impact since January.

While the field for the top-four race has narrowed significantly from two months ago, at least there will be drama assured for the end of the league when Manchester United and Arsenal lock horns on May 17.

The author is an editor with the Global Times. hiltonyip@globaltimes.com.cn