Wenger details two reasons why Arsenal can win the league this year amid surprise Man City claim; explains secret behind Arteta success

Arsene Wenger revealed two reasons why Arsenal have a “good opportunity” to win the league this year, and gave his assessment on how Mikel Arteta is faring.

Arsenal currently top the table as the domestic season makes way for the final international break before the World Cup. The Gunners have won six from seven and lead Man City and Tottenham by a point apiece.

Liverpool had been expected to be among the title challengers after narrowly missing out by a single point last year.

However, Jurgen Klopp’s side failed to strengthen their greatest area of need in midfield and have limped out of the gate.

Chelsea have chopped and changed their manager already, while Manchester United are the dark horse.

Erik ten Hag has guided United to four league wins on the spin, though this season is likely to be one or two too early for a title tilt.

That puts the focus squarely on Man City and the north London pair. Of that trio, Arsenal have the distinct advantage of not being in the Champions League.

They have a Europa League campaign to juggle, though that is a competition that can be navigated without playing your best players. The same cannot be said for the UCL.

Now, speaking to Sky Sports, Arsenal legend and three-time Premier League winner, Arsene Wenger, explained why Arsenal have an excellent shot at topping the table this year.

Wenger looks past Man City

Firstly, the Frenchman claimed there is no one stand-out team. That’s despite Man City winning four of the last five titles and signing the unstoppable Erling Haaland.

Secondly, Wenger claimed the unique disruption of a mid-season World Cup could have unforeseen effects.

When asked how long it’ll take before the Gunners are challenging for league titles once again, Wenger responded: “I would say they have a good chance this season.

“I don’t see any super dominating team. I believe there’s a good opportunity this season to do it.

“Of course it’s a little bit of a special season this year as well because you have the World Cup in the middle. You don’t know how that will affect the individual performances of the players and the teams.

“But overall I believe there’s a good opportunity [this season].”

Arteta assessment

Prior to his Premier League prediction, Wenger spoke about the job Mikel Arteta is performing.

The Spaniard played under Wenger during his latter years at the club and even captained the side.

Arteta has been bold in many of his decisions thus far, including dropping and then ousting skipper and top earner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last winter.

That is a decision that looks to have paid off, and Wenger has liked what he’s seen from Arteta.

“I personally think Mikel Arteta was very conscious of the values of the club because he’s been educated at Arsenal,” said Wenger. “He’d been captain of my teams.

“He wanted to restore the values of the club and overall I think he’s done that well.

“After that you need to create a belief and a sense of belonging. A sense that you belong to something that is bigger than you and that you want to serve.

“On that front I believe he’s done well. I’m still in touch with them and overall I believe they’re going the right way.

“Arsenal is a special club with special values. They have a good balance between tradition and forward thinking.

“Overall I think they do that well again now.”