Arsenal icon discusses title chances
Arsenal icon discusses title chances
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Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has opened up about his old teams and title chances this season. The former France international backed the Gunners to stay in the group but believes Manchester City still have the advantage.
Arsenal did very well to block the title race with Manchester City last season, but the Cityzens managed to win the title in the end. Petit insisted Pep Guardiola and #039;s are still title favourites, despite the Gunners closing the gap.
The 1998 FIFA World Cup told betting site OLBG:
and#039;and#039;I like Gary Neville but I think he is pushing Arsenal because he hates Manchester City! I believe that Arsenal will do their best to fight until the end, but I still think that despite the table, this season will be much more difficult than last season. Arsenal play Champions League football and that affects their energy and commitment.andquot;
The Frenchman added:
andquot;The other teams at the top of the table have changed a lot from last season and Arsenaland’s win over Man City gave the impression that the gap is starting to close. I still think Arsenal have a chance to win the league but the top team is still Manchester City.andquot;
andquot;The gap has closed but I’m not sure there’s enough of a margin for Arsenal to go all the way. Look at what happened to them at the end of the last two seasons – especially in the last six weeks of the season.andquot;
Petit claimed that Arsenal have improved significantly from last season, but there are still some pieces missing. However, he emphasized that the townspeople are on a completely different level. Petit added:
andquot;Important players are injured and when I look at the Arsenal squad they have improved but they are still missing one or two players, especially when there are big injuries. However, there have been injuries to key players this season and Arsenal’s squad as a whole looks better than last year. I think Man City will still win the league.andquot;
Referring to the recent Manchester derby, the former Chelsea midfielder said:
andquot;Look what happened yesterday at Old Trafford! The Manchester derby is a huge clash and City showed how much they enjoy their football. Rodriand’s back and head are the symbol of their team. City always plays the same way and kills its opponents. Arsenal can close the gap but I think they are still behind City.
Tottenham Hotspur lead the Premier League this season with 26 points after 10 matchweeks. Arsenal and Manchester City are second and third in the table with 24 points each.
Pundit backs Arsenal to win title if they sign £100m striker in January
Darragh MacAnthony, chairman of League One side Peterborough United, has claimed Arsenal should sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney instead of Kai Havertz this summer.
Toney joined Brentford from League One side in 2020 and has since been a revelation in the Championship and then the Premier League. The Englishman has scored 68 goals and provided 21 assists in 124 matches so far.
Toneyandi’s former club and chairman Darragh MacAnthony claimed Toney can help Arsenal win their first league title in two decades. Questioning Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign Kai Havertz, he told talkSPORT
“Arsenal should have bought him instead of Havertz in August. Ivan Toney will guarantee them the title. If Arsenal are in the league in January and sign Ivan Toney, it is certain that he will win the title. Technically, he is incredible.”
Toney is currently serving an eight-month ban for gambling offences. His ban expires in January, meaning he could be in demand in the upcoming winter window.