What "Bottlers" Means as it Trends for Arsenal – A Characteristic Move by Manchester City Fans

Manchester City now sit just six points behind Arsenal, with a game in hand, following their dominant 3-0 victory over Chelsea today (April 12th).

The Premier League title race has truly ignited, as the Gunners feel the Citizens breathing down their necks. Meanwhile, the term "bottlers" is trending among London fans.

In fact, a Manchester City fan went viral across the UK when television cameras caught him at Stamford Bridge drinking from a bottle adorned with the Arsenal crest, a clear nod to the "bottlers" phenomenon.

However, in this context, "bottlers" doesn't refer to actual bottles. It's English slang used to describe a club that "mentally collapses and loses a league or a title, despite being in a strong position, usually towards the end of the season." We've put it in quotes because that's how its meaning is interpreted.

The term is frequently used on social media by fans to describe any team that squanders a significant points lead they had established.

Under these circumstances, the "bottlers" trend currently flooding English social media is a way for rival fans to taunt Arsenal supporters, who just weeks ago held a substantial lead over their pursuers but have since let it slip.

Crucially, on the 19th of the month, Manchester City will host Arsenal. If City win that crucial derby and their game in hand, they will draw level with Arsenal in the standings.