Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas has delivered a fresh verdict on the Premier League title race, insisting that Arsenal remain favourites to lift the trophy this season despite Manchester City's recent charge.
Jenas Confident in Gunners' Quality
Speaking to 10bet, the pundit and ex-England international reaffirmed his belief that Mikel Arteta's squad possesses the necessary quality to end the club's two-decade wait for the domestic crown. "Yeah, I do think Arsenal are still favourites," Jenas stated. "I've been saying it from the start of the season. I think they've got the best team."
His comments come as the Gunners' lead at the summit has been cut to just two points. A recent dip in form has seen Arsenal win only three of their last six league matches, with draws against Sunderland and Chelsea and a loss to Aston Villa. In stark contrast, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have strung together four consecutive victories.
Addressing Arsenal's Frailties and City's Threat
Jenas acknowledged that Arsenal have shown vulnerabilities, particularly when key defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães have not played together. "The frailties are there and they don't have that stable foundation to build off," he noted. However, he expects a fully fit defensive pairing to return in the new year, providing a solid base.
While recognising City's formidable form, Jenas suggested the reigning champions are still capable of a misstep. "I think City are making a really good run of it, but they've still got a clanger in them," he argued. He believes the intense pressure from City will ultimately test whether Arsenal have learned from previous late-season collapses.
Pressure and the Festive Fixture Pile-Up
With a packed schedule over Christmas, there is a possibility that City could overtake Arsenal at the top. Jenas, however, doubts this will happen. "I don't think City will overtake Arsenal over Christmas," he predicted, while warning that City's famous unbeaten runs are a constant threat.
Crucially, the pundit trusts that this Arsenal squad is now better equipped to handle the psychological demands of a title run-in. "I'd be absolutely shocked if this group of players at Arsenal have not learned their lesson with regards to just dealing with pressure," Jenas added, referencing their narrow escape in a recent match against Wolves.
His one lingering concern is the team's margin of victory. "The only thing I would say about Arsenal that worries me a little bit is that they don't seem to be blowing teams away," he observed, pointing to a pattern of tight 1-0 or 2-0 wins. Despite this, his final prediction is unequivocal: "I still think even if we get to New Year's Day and they're behind City, I think they'll go on and win it."
