Liverpool Legend Reveals Why Arsenal Aren’t Title Contenders This Season
Liverpool legend John Barnes believes Arsenal are not serious title contenders this season, claiming that Manchester City and Liverpool are the only two teams in contention.
Mikel Arteta’s side extended their excellent start to the year by defeating Burnley 5-0 to move up to second in the Premier League table.
The win at Turf Moor came less than a week after Arsenal defeated West Ham 6-0 at the London Stadium.
Barnes, on the other hand, is sceptical of Arsenal’s title credentials after the club failed to win the title in the latter stages of the previous season.
“City are the favourites, I make Liverpool the second favourites,” Barnes said speaking on Premier League Productions.
“Arsenal were in a better position last year, but I’ve said since the Premier League started: March, April is when you really start to look at who the runners and riders are, because you have teams like Aston Villa and Tottenham who [looked like contenders] six weeks ago.
“When you’re coming into the end of February/March, it’s all about can you just get a result, and Man City are all conquering, all dominant in that respect.
“Liverpool for me are the closest challengers because there are certain games where Liverpool haven’t played well but have got a result.
“Arsenal have to play well to win and if they don’t play well they may not win, and that is why as much as they’re doing well now I still think it’s between Man City and Liverpool.
“Liverpool winning today is going to put the pressure on. Man City will handle that pressure. City won’t get nervous that Liverpool are getting away from them because they are such an incredible team. Liverpool playing first will affect Arsenal but not Man City.”
Liverpool is still two points clear at the top after defeating Brentford 4-1 in west London on Saturday.
However, Manchester City dropped points this weekend after being held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side will have the opportunity to reduce the gap to one point when they host Brentford on Tuesday night.
Liverpool Legend Reveals Why Arsenal Aren’t Title Contenders This Season