As the new Premier League season approaches, speculation about who will lift the trophy has become the talk of the town. Betting giant bet365 currently has Manchester City as the 8/11 favourites to claim the championship again. However, the competition seems tighter than ever with Arsenal standing at 5/1, Liverpool at 8/1, and Manchester United following closely at 11/1. There are; however, contrasting voices about who will rule the roost, and one of the most unexpected predictions is coming from a very familiar name.
In an unexpected twist, Arsene Wenger, the revered former manager of Arsenal, has put his weight behind his old club to claim the top honours next season. Wenger’s prediction comes on the back of Arsenal’s record transfer splurge, which saw them secure England international Declan Rice from West Ham United in a deal worth up to £105 million. Rice joins an already bolstered Gunners’ squad that has significantly added Kai Havertz from Chelsea and Jurrien Timber from Ajax this summer.
Reflecting on his former side’s summer business, Wenger expressed his approval. “I think it is a good investment,” he remarked, his confidence shining through his words. “Overall, personally I think they have made good buys as they are players who are now mature, 23, 24, but still young so can stay together for a few years.”
Articulating the weight of expectation on the recruits, the Frenchman opined, “They will be under more pressure after last year, but they have learned a lot and they can show they can deal with that pressure now.”
When prodded for his outright prediction for the Premier League title, Wenger did not mince words, stating unequivocally, “I believe we will win the championship; it is as simple as that. I have less doubts for Arsenal than the cycling today.”
Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal were contenders last season, leading the table for a substantial part of the campaign. They, however, fell short of the finish line, ending up behind Manchester City. Wenger, who led the ‘Invincibles’ of 2003/04, Arsenal’s last league champions, believes Arteta’s strengthened squad, boosted by Rice and Havertz, can finally end the wait for the Premier League crown.
Can the Gunners live up to Wenger’s prophecy and claim their first Premier League title since the memorable ‘Invincibles’ season? As football fans, all we can do is watch the drama unfold!