Arsenal warned potential Premier League title joy may be short-lived, despite Wenger exposing Man City vulnerability
Arsene Wenger has urged Arsenal to make the most of their best chance to win the Premier League since he left the club, because he is predicting they won’t have as free a run at the title next season.
Arsenal have been exceeding expectations this season. Despite missing out on a top-four finish last season, they have shot up the standings and are currently top of the table. Indeed, they have led the way since the third matchday and have always been in the top two.
As things stand, Arsenal are three points above the defending champions, Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side also have a game in hand over their rivals for the Premier League crown.
On Wednesday, Arsenal and Man City will face off in a crucial match in the title race. If City win, the Gunners would lose their lead at the top of the table for the time being.
But City’s form has been somewhat inconsistent, so it is still all to play for.
Now, Arsenal have received support from their legendary former manager, Wenger. According to the Frenchman – who was the last man to lead Arsenal to the title, back in the Invincibles season of 2003-04 – the north London side have as good a chance as any to win the league this term.
However, Wenger has warned them that it won’t be as easy to maintain such a position next season. Hence, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
“You win it when you can win it and you don’t care too much about the rest; you take the title and let the rest talk about it,” Wenger said on beIN Sports.
“I agree the conditions next season won’t be as favourable as they are now so let’s not miss this opportunity. Arsenal has 51 points after 21 games which is remarkable.”
Wenger claims only Man City can threaten Arsenal
Recently, Roy Keane warned Arsenal and Man City that they should also be looking over their shoulders at a resurgent Manchester United side as title rivals.
But Wenger believes only City are capable of catching Arsenal, and even they have been dealing with an increasing vulnerability throughout the season.
“I feel the usual threats are all out of the race,” Wenger continued. “The only threat is City and even City is not as dominant as they were last year or two years before.
“And I feel since the start of the season City was more vulnerable defensively than before.”
For context, City have conceded 22 goals from 22 games so far this season. If they continue at that rate, they would end the season with 38 goals against, which would be 12 more than last season.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have only let in 18 goals from their first 21 games. Last season, their record was 48 goals against from 38 matches, so they are on track to better it.
And they have also been effective at the other end of the pitch, scoring 46 goals so far, at an average of just under 2.2 per match. Last season, they finished with 61 goals, which came out at around 1.6 per match.
Improving on both fronts, Arsenal will hope to cross the finishing line to end their long wait to reclaim the title. But there is a long way to go yet. For now, they must fully focus on Wednesday’s huge match.
