Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have been in scintillating form this season, winning nine and drawing one of their last ten games across all competitions to move four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
This outstanding run has led many to believe that Mikel Arteta’s side could finally end their long wait for a league title, their first since 2003/04.
The Gunners have narrowly missed out on the crown to both Liverpool and Manchester City in recent years, finishing second in each of the last three seasons. Many believe Arteta is on the verge of emulating Arsène Wenger’s record, as the legendary manager also won the league after three consecutive runner-up finishes.
However, former Liverpool and Manchester City goalkeeper David James does not share that optimism.
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“I’d be foolish to say no, I haven’t changed my mind about Arsenal with them at the top of the table,” James told The Metro (via AskGamblers). “There’s something about Arsenal I really like. I like the numbers. They’ve improved in so many different areas.”
James praised Arsenal’s resilience, particularly their ability to fight back from losing positions, citing their recent clash with Manchester City as an example.
“You look at the Man City game where they were losing 1-0 early on, and they, if it had not been for some ridiculously good defending, would have won that game at the Emirates. So there are improvements there.”
Despite acknowledging their progress, the former England international remains unconvinced that Arsenal can sustain their challenge through the entire campaign. He expressed doubts about how Arteta’s side will manage the demands of both the Premier League and the Champions League.
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“The test for them, as I’m sure many people will say, is now that they’re top of the table, how are they going to handle that?” James said.
David James( Photo Credit: Getty images)
James also suggested that last season, Arsenal appeared to prioritise the Champions League over the domestic title, which may have cost them their chance at glory.
“I don’t think Arsenal will win the title, if that’s an answer, even if they’ve started well,” he continued. “I think the likes of Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool will go into the last weeks of the season if not the last game and possibly decide the title race.”
Ultimately, James’ scepticism stems from Arsenal’s previous inability to maintain their composure under pressure. While he admits Arteta’s team have evolved significantly, he believes the strength of their rivals will make the difference in the run-in.
“It will be interesting with Arteta to see how he handles qualification for the Champions League and maintaining that top position in the Premier League but I don’t think they’ll be able to do it,” James concluded.
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