Arsenal were left heartbroken at the end of last season’s title fight. They were the side to catch for the majority of the campaign, before a slip allowed Manchester City back in, and they’re too experienced in those situations to give anybody an inch once they’ve gained the advantage.
Come the end of the season, the Citizens had beaten Arsenal to the title by five points. The Gunners have recruited some quality players as they look to battle for honours again this term. They’ve signed Rice, Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
While former Arsenal man Pires feels City were deserving title winners last season, he cited the former pair as players who can help the Gunners overcome them this term.
“I hope and I wish because they came very close to winning the title,” he said on talkSPORT.
“I think Man City at the end were much better because they were like a machine and for Pep Guardiola he has two teams and that’s not the case for Arsenal.
“But we’ve signed Rice, Havertz – I think these guys have good experience, play good football, they know the Premier League. So I think they can help Arsenal to try to win the trophy at the end of the season.”
Pires feels returning to the Champions League is a big step in the right direction, and has a belief that Arsenal can continue that upwards rise.
“I’m very happy because they will play again in the Champions League, so yeah I think everything is okay,” Pires added.
“I’ve talked with Mikel Arteta. He’s very happy and he’s very confident and I always believe a lot in Arsenal.”
Whether or not the season culminates in Arsenal winning the league remains to be seen. They’ve certainly made solid improvements, so they have a good chance of doing so.
However, the sides around them have also improved. What’s more, they weren’t burdened by playing European football last season, so while playing in Europe’s elite competition is a bonus, it’ll lead to more fatigue for the squad than last term.
0 Comments