Micah Richards Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Premier League player Micah Richards has weighed in on Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title next season.
The Gunners finished second for the third consecutive time in the Premier League last season, 10 points behind winners Liverpool.
Injuries mid-season to star Brazilian duo Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Jesus forced a drop in Arsenal’s chase for their first title in more than 20 years. Arsenal have added a few good names to their ranks, including star striker Viktor Gyokeres, to boost their chances next season.
The arrival of Viktor Gyokeres is set to be a major boost for Arsenal’s title aspirations, according to former Manchester City defender Micah Richards.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards praised Gyokeres’s movement and finishing ability, stating that he will add a new dimension to Mikel Arteta’s attacking lineup. “Bringing in Gyokeres now for Arsenal is massive,” Richards said. “And not just because he’s a big-name forward. Because of his movement that we talk about with strikers all the time.”
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Richards believes that Gyokeres will complement Arsenal’s existing attacking talent, including Kai Havertz, who has been impressive in the number 10 role since Gyokeres’s arrival.
However, Richards notes that Havertz lacks a striker’s instinct, which Gyokeres possesses in abundance.
“Havertz is really good, we’re all big fans of Havertz, but in a number 10 position where he can create, not leading the line,” Richards explained.
Despite the excitement surrounding Gyokeres’s arrival, Richards remains sceptical about Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title.
He believes that the team’s lack of squad depth could prove to be a major obstacle, particularly if they suffer a few key injuries.
Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz
Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz (Image credit: Getty Images)
“I still don’t know if it’s enough to get them over the line,” Richards said. “I think one or two injuries and they’re back to the same as last season. So I am going to say challenging but not champions.”
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The bookmakers seem to agree with Richards’s assessment, with Arsenal currently priced between 9/4 and 23/10 to win the title.
Liverpool are favoured to retain their crown, with odds ranging from 7/4 to 19/10, while Manchester City are priced around 7/2 despite winning six of the last eight championships.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have shortened odds after winning the Club World Cup, but are still considered outsiders at 7/1.
Arsenal’s title chances will be put to the test early in the season, with a crucial match against Manchester United looming. Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to build on their strong start to the season, but injuries could prove to be a major headache.
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