Arsenal legend Theo Walcott says three teams can win the Premier League | Football
Theo Walcott believes his beloved Arsenal are just one of three teams capable of winning the Premier League this season.
The Gunners were threatening to win the title just a few weeks ago, but some unconvincing performances have given the chasers hope.
Arsenal looked set to drop more points on Saturday when Wolves scored a late equalizer at the Emirates Stadium, but Mikel Arteta’s side scored an even later winner to avoid a deflating result against the worst team in the division.
The victory briefly extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to five points, but Manchester City closed the gap further with a 3-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
While Aston Villa also won this weekend – with Unai Emery’s side twice coming from behind to beat West Ham – only three points separate the Premier League’s top three.
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Third-placed Villa have moved five points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea during a sensational run which has seen them win nine games in a row in all competitions.
Aston Villa were not considered title contenders at the start of the season but Walcott believes they could pose a “problem” for title favorites Arsenal and main chasers Man City.
Asked if Villa should be considered a title contender after their win at West Ham, Walcott replied on the BBC’s Match of the Day: “I think so, I think so.
“When you have a tough start to the season it can go one of two ways as a team and as a team, but Unai Emery obviously has that confidence in them.
“They are playing good things at the moment, so for me it is a problem. But I am concerned about Man City.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Harr added: “Arsenal and Man City are up there, which was to be expected, but Aston Villa have beaten them both this season after a difficult start.
“They are definitely capable – whether they can mount a charge remains to be seen, but Arsenal and City will definitely be there at the end of the season.”
Arsenal are aiming to become Premier League champions for the first time since 2004, having recorded three consecutive second-place finishes under Mikel Arteta.
“No one is invincible in the title race”
René Meulensteen knows what it takes to win the Premier League, having been Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man during several Manchester United triumphs.
In an exclusive interview with MetroMeulensteen says none of the current top three are “unbeatable” or “invincible”.
“I think Man City are the strongest team to challenge Arsenal, but I see it being a very tight title race,” he said on behalf of BestNewBingoSites.
“Chelsea have looked good at times this season but have faltered of late and even Villa, after a terrible start, are in good form and find themselves third in the Championship.
“I really like Unai Emery as a manager, I think he has achieved great things at Villa, and he will continue to do so this season. He has done brilliant things with his team.
“If Man United hadn’t missed games in recent weeks, they would be alongside Arsenal, which demonstrates how open the league is this season.
“It is obvious that all the teams at the top of the league are beatable as they have all lost games at one point or another this season, no one is invincible.
“Man City have the experience of winning the championship in their team, and they won’t lie down easily to let Arsenal win it in May.”
Manchester City, meanwhile, claimed a record four league titles in a row before falling and finishing only third last season.
Aston Villa’s best finish in the Premier League era came in the 1992–93 season, when they finished second. They finished fourth two seasons ago to qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
Villa’s recent history only tells one side of the story, however, as one of England’s oldest and most successful clubs won seven championships before the introduction of the Premier League.
Current leaders Arsenal face a potentially tricky trip to Everton next weekend – David Moyes’ side had won four of their last five games before losing at Chelsea on Saturday.
Manchester City will expect to prove too strong for relegation battlers West Ham at home while Aston Villa will look to extend their winning run against Manchester United.
A new Premier League winner is expected to be confirmed next May as reigning champions Liverpool got off to a shocking start to their title defense.
Arne Slot’s side appear to have turned a corner – with five matches unbeaten – but Liverpool already find themselves ten points behind Arsenal and even outside the Champions League places.
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