Gary Lineker now reckons Manchester City will pip Arsenal to the Premier League title this season. Lineker revealed his verdict after being pressed by Micah Richards.
Arsenal’s Stuttering Form
Mikel Arteta’s team are faltering after suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. Arsenal seemed to seize up against Andoni Iraola’s side. Strikes from Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott dealt a severe blow to their hopes of claiming a first Premier League crown since 2004.
The Gunners’ setback was made worse by second-placed City cruising to a 3-0 triumph at Chelsea on Sunday. This comes just a week before they face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
Lineker’s Change of Heart
The contrasting fortunes of both City and Arsenal have now prompted Lineker to reveal that he believes Guardiola’s squad will emerge victorious. He had backed Arsenal for most of the season.
When Richards asked for his view on the title race, Lineker said: “I’ve always thought, ‘Well Arsenal will be fine, they’re not going to choke, they’ll be all right.'”
“But since he’s changed back to the three at the top, and the way Arsenal are stuttering and have lost their form at the moment.”
“You know how important momentum is in not just football, in all sport. Momentum is so important, and all the momentum now is with City.”
“So I think it’s so tough to call now… but if you need to put your life on the line – which I’d hate to have to do under these circumstances – I’d probably now go City because I think they will win next week, but you never know.”
Arteta Vows a Response
Arsenal face Sporting in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final before the potential title showdown at City. Arteta has vowed an instant response.
The Spaniard said: “We’re going to do it, for sure.”
“Because the way we all feel now with the hope and the ambition that we have for this game, we’re going to see an immediate reaction, I’m convinced about that.”