Roberto Mancini made some remarks during his time as Manchester City boss that turned out a reality.
The season was 2011/2012 and Man United were seven points clear of second placed Man City in early February. Asked by the media if his side was still in contention for the title, the Italian was adamant his team was very much in it as he was certain their rivals would falter.
Mancini’s comments turned out to be right as the Red Devils dropped vital points to throw away the seven point lead, allowing the Citizens to get back into contention.
Then managed by legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, Man United was made to pay for their sluggishness as their ‘noisy’ neighbors snatched the title by a superior goal difference on the final day of the season.
Arsenal this season may find themselves in a similar situation with Pep Guardiola’s Men most likely to make a come back .
Given the fact that prolific talisman Erling Haaland is in blistering form having scored 25 goals in 19 games in his debut season in the Premier League, coupled with the presence of midfield gem Kevin De Bruyne and the team’s mental strength, there’s no question of City’s ability to dislodge the Gunners from the top.
Guardiola’s men may have won four of the previous five league titles including last season’s dramatic win on the final day at the expense of Liverpool, but the hunger and desire for more title is still evident.
I doubt if Arsenal has got such mental strength. Mikel Arteta’s team will have to be at their best to hold nerves in such tight situations if they are to win their first league title since the invincible season of 2003/2004.
With a daring young squad that is captained by the current Premier League’s top scoring midfielder Martin Odegaard, Arsenal have been praised for being fearless and hungry most of the time this season, but do they posses the hunger and the desire required from a champion?
A dramatic win against their long term rivals Man United a couple of weeks ago proved just that, but like the saying goes, time is always there to tell.
