Arsenal have had to accept playing second fiddle to Manchester City in recent years but, even with them dropping off, the Premier League title could still elude them this season
Alan Smith admits watching Liverpool win the Premier League “would sting and sting badly” for those at Arsenal.
The Gunners currently sit second having dropped more points at the weekend, which allowed Liverpool to open up a six-point lead at the top despite playing a game fewer. Arsenal have finished second in each of the past two seasons, being edged out by Manchester City both times.
This term, Pep Guardiola’s side have endured a dip and many had tipped Arsenal to take advantage, but instead it has been the rampant Reds, who have only lost once all season, who look like the team who will assume their crown.
Mikel Arteta is aiming to deliver a first league title since the Invincible season back in 2004 but faces the prospect of another near miss if Arsenal cannot put a run together, whilst also relying on Liverpool to begin dropping points.
Smith, a league title winner with the Gunners told BonusCodeBets : “It would sting and sting badly if Liverpool end up winning the league because you’re waiting for Man City to trip up. Arsenal have been on their shoulder for the last few years and they were next in line, the Gunners, should City come to the end of that winning period.”
“And then all of a sudden, (Liverpool) leapfrog them as it were, move in front. So that will be difficult to take. Arsenal fans are kind of gradually accepting it, with that gap. Not giving up on the title yet. It hurts, because Arsenal have been second in line, ready to take over.
“But that’s football. These things happen and you’ve got to keep pushing and keep on trying to improve. A few years ago Arsenal weren’t pushing for the title, they were nowhere near it, so this is where they should be now, vying for it. But it would be a heavy blow if Liverpool do lift the title and Arsenal are second or third. That would hurt.”
Arteta is coming under increasing pressure to deliver some silverware. For all the forward strides made by the club in recent years they are yet to have a trophy to show for it. The last major triumph by the club made when they won the FA Cup back in 2020.
Arsenal failed to add a prolific frontman in the summer, which has cost them, and a rising injury list is placing further strain on their resources. Arteta bemoaned the difference between his team and Liverpool, claiming the Reds can impact games using their bench, whilst he cannot.
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