Liverpool legend John Barnes has explained why he feels Arsenal will bottle the 2022-23 Premier League title.
The Gunners are currently top of the table and five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
Arsenal, who next face Brighton, have won 13 of their opening 15 matches and have lost just once.
Arteta’s side failed to finish in the top four last term but look a different beast this time around and have looked much stronger since their summer business.
But Arsenal have some massive tests coming up – facing third-placed Newcastle United on January 3 – before back-to-back top-flight clashes against fellow big six sides Tottenham and Manchester United in what is a huge month for the club.
Barnes admits he ‘may change his mind’ but, for now, he does not think Arsenal have what it takes to finish above Pep Guardiola’s City, who have won four of the last five Premier League titles.
‘Yeah I would still say [Manchester City] are favourites [for the title], because of their experience,’ Barnes told BonusCodeBets.
‘Arsenal are still a young side and doing very well, a bit like Newcastle. I may be wrong but with their youth I don’t expect them to still not lose matches.
‘Whereas you can’t see Man City losing many matches. But, the closer it gets, if they’re still five-six points ahead, maybe I’ll change my mind.
‘But I still think, because of their youth that they have, come February-March, where it’s not about playing well, it’s about getting matches done and winning even if you’re not playing well, can Arsenal do that consistently, between now and the end of the season to hold off Man City? I don’t think they can but I won’t be surprised if they do.’
Arsenal face City at the Emirates on February 15 before the return clash at the Etihad on April 26.
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