Arsenal have suddenly emerged as overwhelming favorites to lift the Premier League trophy thanks to their recent form. Mikel Arteta’s side have won their third consecutive league match, giving them a three-point advantage over their rivals after eight games.
The Gunners’ 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in midweek was a powerful statement that they are a threat even in Europe, where they have a perfect record. But as we all know, football moves fast and Arteta must now turn his players’ attention to Sunday’s difficult home match against Crystal Palace. Here we take a look at some of the recent debates surrounding Arsenal and their manager. Because their great performance leads to high expectations.
Arteta’s firing: ‘It’s ridiculous’
Danny Murphy believes Arsenal will win the Premier League this season. But contrary to other pundits and some supporters who think Arteta will be a failure if he doesn’t win major honors this term, Murphy says it would be “ridiculous” to sack the Spaniard if he continues to perform at this level and still fails to achieve his goals.
He told talkSPORT: “I think they will win the Premier League. In the Champions League… PSG, if everyone is fit, they will be on a different level. But I don’t agree with Mikel Arteta that they have to win something.”
“If you get 98 points and lose the title on the last day, or lose in extra time in the Champions League final due to a wrong decision by the referee, you’re not going to sack a manager, are you? That’s ridiculous. So I don’t think he needs to win anything, but he’s going to have to be unlucky and competitive right up to the end in both competitions to be forgiven.”
Neville makes a bold Gunner prediction
Gary Neville has been vocal in his support for Arsenal’s bid to win the Premier League this season, after similar predictions failed last season.
The Manchester United icon has been completely reactionary during recent results in the Gunners’ favor, criticizing his overly defensive and cautious tactics against Liverpool and Manchester City earlier this season.
But Neville declared that recent results against elite opposition meant they must win the Premier League trophy from this position.
“They’ve played United away, Man City away, Liverpool away. They’ve played almost everyone already and they’re where they are now,” Neville said on the Stick to Football podcast. “It’s wrong to say this because it’s ridiculous and we’ve all been in the title race. If they don’t win from here… We’ve all predicted Arsenal to win the league and we know that could come off.
“If they don’t win from where the other teams are and the confident position they’re in… a lot of things could change, but they’re in a good position. It feels like we’ve turned a corner against Newcastle.”
“This isn’t putting any pressure on them. I’m sure they’re just thinking, ‘This year it’s us, we have to win.’ If you can throw in Miles Lewis Skelly for Riccardo Calafioli and Ben White, and Cristian Mosquera comes in without a drop, it’s going to be scary.”
