Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations got a big boost with victory over Crystal Palace, extending their lead at the top of the table. The Gunners went into Sunday’s game with a two-goal advantage and extra time against second-placed Sunderland, but rivals Liverpool and Chelsea suffered surprise defeats on Saturday.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side consolidated their position with another victory. This means Arsenal have now won seven consecutive games in all competitions, and this streak has many predicting them as favorites to win the Premier League this season, 22 years after they last won the league.
This means Arsenal have now won seven consecutive games in all competitions, and this streak has many predicting them as favorites to win the Premier League this season, 22 years after they last won the league.
Despite it being early in the season, the Gunners’ impressive form has led Josep Guardiola to make his own predictions for the title race, with Manchester City set to be favorites with star striker Erling Haaland back in form.
Meanwhile, Arteta gave a glimpse of the depth of his squad, revealing how he voted for Martin Odegaard to captain the team this season, with four other players forming part of his leadership group. We bring you all the latest news from around the Emirates Stadium following the Gunners’ win over Palace.
Guardiola predicts title
Manager Josep Guardiola has weighed in on the title race debate, saying he believes Arsenal will give up “just a few” points over the course of the season. The City boss also backed Liverpool to remain in the title race despite their recent poor form, while hinting that an unknown third club would also be difficult to shake off in the title race.
Arne Slott’s side were seen as favorites before the start of the season after a strong season and big summer spending, but they have now lost four straight in the Premier League. Ahead of City’s clash with Aston Villa, Guardiola delivered his verdict on the potential title challengers, praising both Arteta and Slott.
“I feel that Arsenal won’t drop too many points in the Premier League,” he said. “That’s the reality. I feel the same way about Arsenal and about Liverpool. Now Liverpool are not in the Champions League in Frankfurt, they lost their last game, but I saw the game against United and they had an incredible chance to win the game. So I think Liverpool are still one of the favorites to win the title.”
“At this stage, a distance of three or four points is not a big deal,” he added. “I always felt that both teams, and maybe other teams as well, were going to lose very few points. That’s why we have to be there.”
vote for captain
Arteta also gave an insight into the wealth of leaders within the squad and opened up about the influence captain Martin Odegaard has on the club. Arsenal are currently in good form and their strength is supported by the five players who make up Arteta’s group. Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Gabriel and Mikel Merino.
However, with only one player officially serving as the club’s captain, that honor was once again given to Odegaard ahead of the new season. The Gunners manager revealed that the Norway international was the clear favorite among his teammates who held a dressing room vote to choose their captain.
“Every mile, every 100 points, everyone chose the same person, and that’s Martin Odegaard,” Arteta said. “(That’s) the clearest sign of how they feel about who has to be the captain to protect and grow and win the games we want to win. So there’s no question about that.”
“Martin doesn’t have to speak and everyone says, ‘He’s my captain, I want him to represent me, I trust him 100 per cent, he’s the guy I want next to me.’
In addition to the key leadership group, Arteta can rely on other experienced team members including William Saliba, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, David Raya, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus and Riccardo Calafioli.
