20 April 2023 , 15:41
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Arsenal icon Arsene Wenger has backed his former side to still win the Premier League despite two successive draws slowing their momentum at the business end of the season.
The Gunners are still top of the table currently but have spurned opportunities to widen the gap at the top after drawing 2-2 against both Liverpool and West Ham. What will frustrate boss Mikel Arteta further is the fact that his side found themselves 2-0 up in both fixtures, only to surrender their lead twice.
As a result, many feel that the momentum is now with reigning champions Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's men sit four points behind Arsenal having played one game less, with a home clash against the Gunners also on the horizon.
This means that for the first time in a long time this season, the title is back in City's hands. Should they win both of the aforementioned fixtures, they will go top and have a clear run at their fifth title in six seasons.
However, not everyone has lost faith in Arsenal to pull off a surprise. Ex-manager Wenger still feels there is life in the Gunners yet and has tipped them to end their 19-year wait for a league title, the last of which was on with him at the helm.
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Speaking to BeIN Sport, the Frenchman explained: "Arsenal still have their fate in their hands, if they win the game [against City], they will win the championship."
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Arsene Wenger has admitted he hopes Mikel Arteta can get the better of Pep Guardiola at the EtihadAnalysing the comments of City boss Guardiola following their progression past Bayern Munich into the last four of the Champions League, Wenger continued.
"Like Guardiola said tonight, City are very tired. I really felt they finished tired in the last 10, 15 minutes and maybe Arsenal can take advantage of it because Arsenal play in nothing else, just the championship.
"They play on Friday night, they have five days to prepare for this game so physically they could have an advantage and surprise City, that's what I hope of course but let's see, I still think we will win it."
As Wenger mentioned, the Gunners can't divert their attention to City until they have dealt with the Premier League's bottom-placed side in Southampton.
The Saints make the trip to the Emirates aiming to spring a shock of their own to boost their survival chances, while Arteta will be well aware his side simply cannot afford any more slip-ups.
City are waiting in the wings for the Gunners to make another mistake, ready and raring to pounce ahead of next Wednesday's meeting between the two.