Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has made a bold prediction ahead of the crucial clash between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium today.
The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League table with 70 points, six clear of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand. However, Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five matches across all competitions.
Their poor run includes an FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton and a Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, raising concerns about their momentum heading into the decisive stage of the season.
Speaking in an interview with TNT Sports, Hargreaves insisted Arsenal’s setback against Bournemouth could serve as a timely wake-up call rather than a collapse in form.
“I think they have come too far to give it away,” Hargreaves said. “I think the performance against Bournemouth will actually be a blessing for them. I think they have to use and Mikel says guys we can’t play like that.”
He backed the north London club to respond strongly at the Etihad, predicting they will avoid a defeat in what he described as a crucial test of their title credentials.
“I don’t think they will lose at the Etihad. I think they will go to the Etihad and get a draw,” he added.
“They need a performance at the Etihad that we have never seen from them. I think if they get that, they could do something super special.”
“I think they could potentially win the Premier League and potentially win the Champions League.”
The Premier League leaders will need to avoid a defeat at least to further strengthen their chances of securing a first league title in over two decades.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will be looking to secure all three points in front of their home supporters, cutting the gap at the top and increasing the pressure on the Gunners in the run-in.