I quite appreciate their current performance, Arteta was able to change Arsenal's game with amazing results. But even so I'm not so sure Arsenal will be able to maintain its position at the top of the standings. Because they have to prove it when they meet Manchester City, if they are able to get past City's obstacles then their motivation will double and the chance to win the championship will be more open.
For example, Arsenal can lose when they meet Manchester City in a match, Arsenal can still be at the top of the standings because Arsenal's point gap with Manchester City is five. So that Arsenal has the opportunity to maintain itself at the top of the standings until the end of the season if other teams apart from Manchester City are unable to beat Arsenal in the second half of the season.
This means that Manchester City must expect Arsenal to lose two more times in matches with any team in the Premier League and Manchester City itself must win more in order to be at the top of the standings.