Paul Scholes has declared that Arsenal's Premier League title challenge is over, insisting Manchester City have all the momentum ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad. The Gunners saw their nine-point lead cut to just three after a home defeat to Bournemouth, while City thrashed Chelsea 4-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Scholes, the former Manchester United midfielder, told The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: 'I just think Arsenal have gone, me. I just think all the momentum is with City. At some point, you have to beat your rivals. I’ve not seen them do it, they don’t win big games.' Arsenal have not won at the Etihad since 2015.
Scholes' former teammate Nicky Butt agreed, pointing to mental fragility. 'Until you’ve won it, or got over that hurdle, it is an absolute nightmare,' he said. 'You’re just thinking that you’re going to let them down again, and you can see that now with Arsenal and City, especially with Pep in charge.'
Roy Keane, another former United midfielder, called on Arsenal's senior players, particularly Declan Rice, to show leadership. 'Rice has to show more leadership skills,' Keane said. 'People like Rice, talking about leadership skills, they’ve got to get a grip of people.' Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League before the City showdown.
