Arsene Wenger makes title prediction as Arsenal given blunder referee

15 February 2023 , 04:30

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Arsene Wenger makes title prediction as Arsenal given blunder referee

Arsenal’s ambitions of winning the Premier League title were given another blow at the weekend after being held by Brentford.

The Gunners now sit only three points clear at the top of the domestic standings but have the perfect opportunity to extend that advantage on Wednesday. Arsenal take on title rivals Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in a match that could go a long way in deciding the destination of the title.

Ahead of the match, legendary former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has offered his view on the title and the main threats facing his ex-employers. Meanwhile, there is also some controversy surrounding the officiating team for the game itself.

With that being said, here is all the news coming out of the Emirates Stadium over the past 24 hours.

Wenger backs Gunners for title

Wenger has suggested that Arsenal are now his favourites to lift the Premier League title with the “usual threats” all out of the race. Speaking to beIN Sport, he said: "I feel the usual threats are all out of the race.

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“The only threat is City and even City is now 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."

Read his thoughts in full here

Wenger gives Haaland verdict

One man who will be aiming to halt Arsenal this season is City striker Erling Haaland. Amid claims that the Norwegian has made his side worse this term, Wenger has rejected that ahead of the two sides' collision on Wednesday.

The Frenchman said: “Poor is maybe a big word. He makes Manchester City a different team. A different team, why? Because now with Haaland they win the ball a little less quickly back and when they win the ball they go more quickly to find him.”

Read the full story here.

Arsene Wenger has given his verdict on Erling Haaland (Getty Images)

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Arsenal handed blunder official

Amid the controversy surrounding their draw with Brentford - Ivan Toney’s offside strike being allowed to stand - Arsenal are set to be officiated by another referee who has been called into question over recent days.

John Brooks made a huge error in Brighton ’s stalemate with rivals Crystal Palace having disallowed Pervis Estupinan’s opening strike. As a result, he was taken off duty for the Merseyside derby and Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City but will now oversee the Gunners’ clash with Aston Villa after being named as the fourth official.

Find out the full story about his appointment here

Daniel Orme